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The LA Clippers continue their road trip with a short visit to Wisconsin on Monday to face the Milwaukee Bucks. It's their first meeting of the season. The Clippers will have revenge on their minds after losing the season series 0-2 last year to the 2021 NBA champions.
The Clippers will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back. It will be a stern challenge, considering they faced Minnesota a night ago on the road in an old-school physical contest, winning 89-88.
Meanwhile, the Bucks will look to maximize the homecourt advantage before setting off on a four-game California trip. They have seemingly flipped the script under Doc Rivers' coaching after a slow start. The Clippers would be a good test for them to evaluate their performance.
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LA Clippers vs. Milwaukee Bucks preview, betting tips, odds and prediction
NBA TV will cover the LA Clippers vs. Milwaukee Bucks game nationally. Meanwhile, Bally Sports SoCal and Bally Sports Wisconsin will cover the game in local regions. Fans abroad can view the contest online via NBA League Pass. Tipoff is at 8:00 pm ET (5:00 pm PT) at Fiserv Forum.
Moneyline: Clippers -150, Bucks +125
Spread: Clippers -3 (-110), Bucks +3 (-110)
Total (o/u): Clippers o222 (-112), Bucks u222 (-112)
LA Clippers vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Preview
The 39-20 Clippers enter this game behind consecutive wins. It could have easily been a 3-0 run if not for LeBron James' genius that saw the Clippers blow a 19-point fourth-quarter lead on Wednesday. LA has improved to 3-3 after the All-Star break and will hope to continue this stretch against the Bucks.
While the Clippers can turn on the heat defensively, their offense will need some work. They have a 112.3 offensive rating in their past six games, averaging 24.7 assists a game, 21st in the NBA. They're allowing 14.0 points off turnovers per contest.
The Clippers will be without Russell Westbrook (hand fracture) for this game. Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Paul George will likely suit up.
On the other hand, the 40-21 Bucks are 5-0 entering this contest. They've turned a corner under Doc Rivers, especially defensively. They are posting a league-leading 101.5 defensive rating since the All-Star break, conceding a league-low 97.2 ppg. Their offense is clicking, too, with a 121.4 rating in this span, the second-best in the NBA.
Milwaukee is scoring 17.4 points off turnovers. That's likely to be the Bucks' go-to tactic again to force turnovers and get their offense going in transition, which is easier to do with a force like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Khris Middleton (ankle) remains out for the Bucks, while Giannis (Achilles) is out as well. MarJon Beauchamp (back) is probable, and Chris Livingston (groin) is doubtful.
LA Clippers vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Starting Lineups
Clippers' starting lineup
PG - James Harden, SG - Terance Mann, SF - Paul George, PF - Kawhi Leonard, C - Ivica Zubac
Bucks starting lineup
PG - Damian Lillard, SG - Malik Beasley, SF - Patrick Beverley, PF - Jae Crowder, C - Brook Lopez
LA Clippers vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Betting Tips
Kawhi Leonard is favored to score under 26.5 points. He's averaging 24.0 ppg on the season and 23.3 ppg in his past nine games. Kawhi has gone over his total in his past two games. However, he's not been that consistent of a volume scorer.
James Harden is favored to record under 8.5 assists. He's averaged 8.3 apg on the season and 7.1 apg in his past 10 outings. Harden had 10 assists in his previous outing, but the Bucks' disruptive defense could see him struggle.
LA Clippers vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Prediction
The LA Clippers are the favorites to win Monday's contest against the Milwaukee, with a -150 money line. They are favored to cover their -3.0 spread.
The Bucks will likely use their rest advantage and force as many turnovers as possible, making the most of the Clippers' playing on the second night of a back-to-back. It's been LA's Achilles after the All-Star break, too.
However, with Giannis out, the Clippers will have a better shot at containing that. Giannis is the league leader in fastbreak points and one of the Bucks' best defenders. His loss could be a huge advantage for LA.
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