Clippers vs. Bucks NBA Betting Preview for Friday (Archive)
The Los Angeles Clippers head to Wisconsin to take on the defending champions, the Milwaukee Bucks. The Clippers recently got a huge boost with the return of Paul George. Can they ride their newfound momentum and be the winning NBA pick?
L. A. Clippers vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Friday, April 1st, 2022 – 8:00 PM EDT @ Fiserv Forum
L. A. Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers seemed like they were packing it in and looking forward to next season with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard expected to miss the rest of the regular season. The Clippers got unexpected good news when George returned to the lineup on Tuesday night in a 121-115 win over the Utah Jazz.
After being out for 3 months with an injury to his elbow, George dropped 34 points in his much-anticipated return. Paul George's return helped the Clippers snap a five-game losing streak with the win over Utah.
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Reggie Jackson had been carrying the load with Paul George out but he is glad to return to his role as a secondary scorer. Reggie Jackson has averaged 16.7 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 45 games without George this season. With George now drawing their opponent's best defender, Jackson has more opportunities.
Jackson is a streaky player, but when he gets hot, he can lead the team's offense. The Clippers are happy not to have to rely on Jackson, but they know they can count on Jackson for scoring bursts to propel the team.
The Clippers are almost certain to end up in the 8th seed. With Paul George back in the lineup they can be a formidable playoff opponent and are not just slated to lose in round 1. George's return makes the West playoff picture a little more convoluted, and a lot more fun.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are happy to return home after a short road trip in which they faced two potential playoff foes, the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets. Now they face an interesting challenge in this NBA matchup. The Clippers play well as a team and with the return of Paul George, the Clippers have the scoring to be a true threat.
The Milwaukee Bucks have multiple long, athletic defenders that can give George problems, so it'll be interesting to see how George fares against one of the best defensive teams in the league tonight.
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The Milwaukee Bucks are nursing injuries as they head down the home stretch. The Bucks are happy to be able to have a week off before the playoffs start as all three of their stars, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday are nursing lingering injuries. The Bucks will not rest these players down the stretch unless absolutely necessary, as they're still fighting for the number one seed.
After being in the middle of the pack most of the season, the Bucks' late-season surge has a chance to put them on top and secure home-court advantage in the East. The Bucks have been playing great in Milwaukee lately, winning 6 straight games at home.
In a stacked Eastern Conference with multiple contenders, the home-court advantage would be a huge coup for the Bucks after the regular season they have endured.
Khris Middleton vs. Paul George
Paul George gives the Clippers a new wrinkle, an elite player who can score on even the most high-level defenders. He will face a tough task tonight in Khris Middleton and the Bucks switch-happy defense. Middleton will most likely draw the assignment against George, and if Middleton gets hot, the Clippers will need George to defend him.
Both players have polished games. They both are deadly from three, are effective at turn-around mid-range jumpers, and can get to the rim. George has a little bit more burst and athleticism, but both are also deadly in the clutch. If Khris Middleton is able to shut down George, the Clippers will probably have problems keeping pace with the Milwaukee Bucks.
If Paul George has a big game even against the stout defense of Khris Middleton, the Clippers have a great chance to get the road win.
Best Bet
The Bucks had another overtime thriller when they beat the Nets in Brooklyn last night. Coming off of two big wins, they should be happy to return home. However, 8 points of NBA odds is too much for a Clippers team who should be chafed after a tough loss against Chicago. The Clippers know they should not have lost against Chicago.
I expect the Clippers to keep this game close tonight against a tired Milwaukee Bucks team. Our best bet for today is Los Angeles Clippers +8.
NBA Pick: L. A. Clippers +8 (-110) at Bovada (visit our Bovada Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.