Filip Tomic
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Both the Bucks and Thunder still have everything to play for which sets up an intriguing matchup in their 2nd and final regular-season meeting this year. Tipoff is at 8:00 pm ET on NBA TV, and to spice things up I have prepared a Same Game Parlay that you can find below.
For predictions on the side and total for the rest of Friday’s massive 15-game slate simply visit our NBA Picks page.
Let’s dive into my SGP bet now!
Milwaukee Bucks ML (+610)
Jalen Williams to score 15+ points (-250)
Same Game Parlay odds: +1008
Milwaukee Bucks ML (+610)
People are quick to count out the Bucks in this game just because Giannis Antetokounmpo has been ruled out. With back-to-back wins over Orlando and Boston, we have seen good things happen for them — especially on the defensive end, where they held both of those team under 100 points. Bobby Portis also stepped up with 30 points in Antetokounmpo’s absence. The Bucks still have to win here in order to keep hold of the #2 seed.
The Thunder still in play for the 2nd seed in the West, but if I’m them I would rather finish 3rd and play the 6th-seeded Pelicans or Suns instead of finishing 2nd and potentially going up against the Lakers — who have caused them problems this season. Milwaukee has also had the better head-to-head record with 6 wins in a row, including a 118-93 win in the first meeting of the season some 3 weeks ago. Unless head coach Doc Rivers decides to rest everyone, I think the Bucks have every right to hope for an upset win.
Jalen Williams to score 15+ points (-250)
Williams has been a key contributor in keeping the Thunder in the top 3 of the Western Conference in March, especially when SGA went down with his quad injury. He finished the month averaging 20.4 points per game and clearing this line in 9 consecutive games. He also took some time off at the start of April; so far in the 2 games since returning he has scored 11 and 10 points. I’m expecting him to ramp up his production in the remaining 2 games of the regular season, as the young Thunder get ready for their first postseason as a group. In is last game against Milwaukee he finished with 18 points while shooting 53% from the field. Without Giannis, Middleton and potentially Brook Lopez on the inside, his life will be a lot easier tonight on the offensive end. I think 15 points is a reasonable expectation.
