The Los Angeles Clippers’ postseason hopes are fading fast. Los Angeles has been more competitive than expected since the midseason trade of star Blake Griffin but reality has sneaked up on it lately. The Clippers are in tenth place in the Western Conference and will need to play nearly perfect ball down the stretch to finish among the top eight seeds.
A win against the Milwaukee Bucks next time out is critical. Milwaukee has an identical record to the Clippers and the home court advantage will make Los Angeles the favorite in this matchup. The Bucks are going to make the postseason in the Eastern Conference but would like to pick up some wins down the stretch in hopes of moving up the standings and finding an easier first-round matchup.
Don't miss the hardwood action from the Staples Center at 10:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 27, 2018. Catch every moment of the game live on TNT.
We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the NBA Tuesday schedule.
Odds Analysis
The Bucks are 38-34 straight up and 29-40-3 against the spread. Milwaukee has gone 18-16-1 against the spread on the road this season. The Bucks are 12-16-1 attempting to cover as the underdog.
The Clippers are 38-34 straight up and have the same record against the spread. Los Angeles is 16-19 against the spread at home this season. It has covered in 20 of 36 attempts as the favorite.
Injury Report
Milwaukee superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo sprained his ankle recently and missed a game but it was a minor ailment and he has since returned to the lineup. Antetokounmpo has transformed into one of the best players in the NBA and his presence is integral in this one.
Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.3 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game this year. He is shooting 53.2 percent from the field and 29.5 percent from three-point range. The “Greek Freak” is one of the most athletic players in the league and it is critical that the Clippers keep him from dominating in this one.
While the Clippers may have the deeper team, the presence of Antetokounmpo makes it so that the Bucks will have a shot at pulling off the upset.
Previous Meeting
The Clippers and Bucks met in Milwaukee less than a week ago. Los Angeles picked up a nice road win by a score of 127-120. The Clippers ran out to a 14-point lead after the first quarter and then held on as Milwaukee attempted to rally.
Antetokounmpo suffered his injury in this game, leaving the contest in the first half. If he had played the entire way it is possible the result would have been different. DeAndre Jordan had a monster game for the Clippers in this one, scoring 25 points while adding 22 rebounds and four assists. If he scores that many points again in this one the Clippers would have a great shot at winning.
Jabari Parker had 20 points off the bench for the Bucks in the loss and he will aim to have another good game. Both teams shot the ball extremely well in the contest, leading to the exorbitant point total.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Bucks should be able to keep this one close with a healthy Antetokounmpo in tow. If the NBA basketball betting spread is too large, don’t hesitate in taking Milwaukee to cover.
However, the Clippers are the choice on the moneyline. The home court is integral when two teams with similar talent levels face off. Los Angeles will play with a high degree of focus seeing as how it needs to play great down the stretch to have a shot at the postseason.
This game means more to the Clippers and they will emerge victorious in NBA basketball odds.
NBA Odds: Clippers 113, Bucks 111
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