On 02/20, Thursday, the Los Angeles Clippers(31-23) will host the Milwaukee Bucks(29-24) in an inter-conference Regular Season match-up. The Clippers slipped to the 6th place in the Western Conference before the All-Star Break whereas the Bucks slipped to the 5th rank in the East. Who will come on top in this intriguing battle between the in-betweeners? Learn about the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
Clippers: Formidable foe
The Clippers entered the All-Star Break with a three-game winning streak and have won 11 out of their 17 games. The Clippers have been excellent defensively, conceding merely 108 points per game(3rd). They have undergone offensive struggles with 111 PPG(1st) but on a positive note, they scored 120 or more in three straight games before the All-Star break.
Expected Starting Lineup:
PG: James Harden| SG: Kris Dunn | SF: Norman Powell | PF: Derrick Jones Jr.| C: Ivica Zubac
Injuries: Kawhi Leonard, Amir Coffey, and Drew Eubanks are Game-Time Decisions.
Bucks: Need to do better
The Bucks were terrible right before the All-Star Break. They lost six of their nine games after a 9-3 spell, summing up their massive struggles. The Bucks have massive defensive issues, giving up 125 points or more in six of their last nine games. However, they were also missing their ace Giannis Antetokounmpo in the majority of these games.
Expected Starting Lineup:
PG: Damian Lillard | SG: Andre Jackson Jr. | SF: Kyle Kuzma | PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo | C: Brook Lopez
Injuries: Giannis Antetokounmpo is a Game-Time Decision.
The Clippers are excellent on the defensive end, having the ability to even shut down elite offensive teams with around 110 points regularly. Meanwhile, the Bucks will be awaiting the return of Giannis Antetokounmpo who gives them a lifeline on both ends of the floor. If he is fit, I expect the Bucks to go past the 115-point mark at least. Meanwhile, I expect the Clippers to also accomplish the same regardless of Antetokounmpo’s availability. Thus, a bet around 230+ points bet seems to be a safe one here.
Predictions:
Norman Powell Over 24.5 Points: The Clippers Wing has tallied 24.2 PPG for the season, but has scored under his season average in four of the last five games. However, I expect him to go over his season average here against a so-so Bucks defense.
James Harden Over 10.5 Assists: Harden has supplied 10 assists per game in February. It should be safe to choose a bet that is over the mark.

Damian Lillard Over 28.5 Points: Damian Lillard scored over 29 points in three of the last four games before the All-Star Break. However, if Antetokounmpo comes back then he can eat away some of his points. The Clippers’ defense can also have a tremendous effect but I expect him to get near 30 points nonetheless.
Kyle Kuzma Under 15.5 Points: Kuzma is tallying 15.3 PPG for the season. He scored 19-21 points in the previous two games. However, I expect him to fall below the 15-point mark here.
The Bucks are struggling massively on the defensive end throughout the season. They made some big changes to their lineups around the All-Star break which can affect their team chemistry. Meanwhile, the Clippers have preferred stability and are leaving a significant imprint here. Despite the circumstances, I expect the Bucks to cover the -1.5 spread especially if Antetokounmpo returns to the scene.
Bet: Spread: Bucks -3.5 for +125 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio- Imagn Images
nba Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!
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