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NBA weekly betting preview: Back defenses in Bucks-Raps showdown

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We're back to highlight the top betting angles and plays on the NBA schedule. Here are some tips for this week's slate.

Note: Lines for Tuesday and beyond are released later in the week.

Monday

Milwaukee Bucks (-12.5, 242) at Washington Wizards

It's too simple to just say, "Always play Milwaukee." Or is it? The Bucks are 33-23 against the spread this year, the fourth-best mark in the league, and they've covered seven of their eight games in February. They're also 11-6 ATS this year when favored by at least 12.5 points and they're 14-4 ATS since Nov. 30 against opponents with a winning percentage of .400 or worse.

That includes Washington, which has gone 10-1 to the over in its last 11 games against teams with winning records. Expect the Bucks to trample the Wizards' shoddy defense on Monday to the delight of chalk and over backers.

Orlando Magic at Brooklyn Nets (-3, 212.5)

If you've only followed the headlines, you'd think Kyrie Irving's absence would be a key factor down the stretch. But this line doesn't reflect how well the Nets have been playing without Irving - they boast a 6-1 ATS mark since his most recent injury.

This price looks even more generous against the Magic, who've gone 2-10 ATS since Jan. 22 with the league's third-worst net rating (minus-8.2) during that span. Conversely, Brooklyn has ranked fourth (plus-7.5) in the same time period. Giving only three points here is a gift.

Tuesday

Milwaukee Bucks at Toronto Raptors

OK, this might be the one spot where "Always play Milwaukee" falls apart. The Raptors are 12-6 ATS in their last 18 games and are 19-11 ATS at home, which ranks third in the NBA. Meanwhile, this is a tough spot for the Bucks; it's only their second time as the visitors on the second night of a back-to-back this season.

However, Toronto's woes against good teams have me eyeing the under, which is 13-9 when the Raptors play an opponent above .500 and 5-2 in the Bucks' last seven road games. These are the league's two best squads by defensive rating, and their spots in the conference standings could bring a playoff intensity to this matchup.

Wednesday

Philadelphia 76ers at Cleveland Cavaliers

Backing this dysfunctional Cleveland team is a hard sell, but this might be a nice spot to take the Cavs in the post-John Beilein era - or, rather, an excellent spot to fade Philly. This year, the Sixers are an abysmal 9-20 ATS on the road, worst in the league, and they've lost six straight away from home. They're also 9-14 ATS against opponents with losing records, the third-worst mark of any team.

Boston Celtics at Utah Jazz

Jayson Tatum has hit a new level of late, averaging 36 points on 53.1% shooting during the Celtics' three-game ATS winning streak. He could have another hot night against the Jazz, whose defense ranks 23rd in efficiency since Jan. 27 amid a 3-8 ATS run. Boston is also 17-9-2 ATS on the road this year and should get value in Utah.

Thursday

Sacramento Kings at Oklahoma City Thunder

After a brief four-game swoon before the All-Star break, the Thunder have won three straight ATS to extend their NBA-best mark to 36-19-2 ATS. Yet OKC has shown some weakness as a home favorite, while the Kings are a stellar 14-7-1 ATS as road 'dogs. Take the points in this one.

C Jackson Cowart is a betting writer for theScore. He's an award-winning journalist with stops at The Charlotte Observer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Times Herald-Record, and BetChicago. He's also a proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, and his love of sweet tea is rivaled only by that of a juicy prop bet. Find him on Twitter @CJacksonCowart.

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