Utah Jazz vs Milwaukee Bucks Preview and Prediction | Nov. 7, 2024
The Milwaukee Bucks have begun the NBA 2024-245 season on a torrid note. Their 1-6 run so far puts them in the same group as the Philadelphia 76ers and the Utah Jazz — the only two teams who have the same record so far.
Milwaukee is on a six-game losing streak and the absence of star presence Giannis Antetokounmpo and seasoned forward Khris Middleton further compounds their woes. That said, they do have a chance to start restoring parity when they host the Jazz at the Fiserv Forum on Thursday (Nov. 7).
There's no doubt that the Bucks have issues despite Damian Lillard and Doc Rivers' optimistic take from their last couple of games. But a is still a loss, and less than 10 games into the season, their on-court flaws are laid bare.
To start with, the team is now reliant on Antetokounmpo defensively. The challenge for 'The Greek Freak' is to be able to sustain his efforts on that end, while also spearheading the offense for 48 minutes per contest.
Damian Lillard has been electric but is a liability as a defender. Throw in subpar perimeter defense, and the fact that Brook Lopez can be contained by stretch bigs, and the Bucks have problems aplenty.
Another key factor going against the side is age. Barring Antetokounmpo who turns 30, the likes of Lillard, Lopez, and Middleton are 34, 36, and 33 — essentially one injury away from missing a stretch of games to further dent already questionable playoff aspirations.
Couple this second apron constraints and even poor shot-calling from Rivers, this Bucks unit is a far cry from what it was last season.
Then come the Jazz, who are in the same boat as the Bucks. There has been nothing jazzy about their campaign save for their 135-126 win over the Chicago Bulls to snap their six-game losing streak. Their 0-6 start to the season makes them just the fifth team in league history (the first in the last decade-and-a-half) to start the edition 0-6 while getting outscored by at least 18 points per contest.
Injuries to key stars Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson derailed a good start to their season. Add the fact that they are a young team devoid of experience, and this is not a side that's pegged to make the playoffs, and are years away from title contention.
Unlike the Bucks who despite their abysmal run can dust themselves off, the Jazz are already looking at a rough patch in the games to come. Sure, there will be that odd win, but Utah like their opponents come in to play with a win on their mind on Thursday.
Utah Jazz vs Milwaukee Bucks preview, predicted starting line-ups, betting tips, odds, and prediction
The Utah Jazz vs Milwaukee Bucks matchup tips off at 8 PM ET. Local coverage will be on FanDuel Sports Network. The game can also be streamed live on Fubo TV (regional restrictions may apply), and the NBA app with a subscription to the NBA League Pass.
Here's a look at the odds as listed at the time of writing.
Note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off.
Utah Jazz vs Milwaukee Bucks preview
The Bucks, for all their shortcomings, appeared to have turned a corner with their role players contributing more in their previous game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The bench poured in 37 points in their 116-114 loss, and that is one bright spot in an otherwise dull season so far.
Their offense is 19th in the league with 111.7. They score at least 108.8 points per 100 possessions. Defensively, they are placed 19th on defense as well allowing 115.8 points per contest.
The Jazz have struggled on both ends of the floor without Markkanen and Clarkson's production. They are bang at the bottom of the NBA in defensive rating at 116.6, per Dunks and Threes. The lack of experience has shown in their games so far, and even Markkanen's possible appearance on Thursday may do little to move the needle.
Utah Jazz vs Milwaukee Bucks predicted starting lineups
Should Antetokounmpo suit up for the Bucks, he will replace Bobby Portis Jr. in the starting lineup.
Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report (Nov. 6): Giannis Antetokounmpo (illness/adductor strain) is questionable. Khris Middleton (ankle) is ruled out.
The Jazz will replace Cody Williams if Markkanen takes the floor for the side on Thursday.
Utah Jazz Injury Report (Nov. 6): Lauri Markkanen (back spasms), Isiah Collier (hamstring), and Jordan Clarkson (heel) are questionable. Taylor Hendricks (fibula) is out
Utah Jazz vs Milwaukee Bucks betting tips
All eyes will be on Antetokounmpo as he listed -102/-120 o/u on points. Keep a lookout for Markkanen listed at -110/-115 on points.
Utah Jazz vs Milwaukee Bucks prediction
The Bucks are still favorites to win the matchup solely based on the firepower they have at their disposal. Utah may have momentum, but Milwaukee is a side desperate to get out of the rut they are in. Add a W next to the Bucks on Thursday.