Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks
The Bulls are on the verge of elimination and will need to show something in Game 5 against the Bucks. They've lost back to back games by 24 and 30 pts, both games were also in Chicago. While the Bulls have fared better in Milwaukee during this series with close margins in Game 1 and 2, injuries are starting to mount. Zach LaVine is likely out for Game 5 due to health and safety protocols. Alex Caruso has a concussion and won't play in Game 5 either. So they'll need the likes of White and Dosunmu to step up in their absence.
On the flip-side, the Bucks are sitting nicely with a 3-1 series lead and will be eager to close out the series on their home court this Thursday. They come off a 119-95 win in Game 4 as Giannis led the scoring with 32 pts and 17 boards. Holiday was also dominant with 26 pts and Allen hit 6 threes off the bench as he finished with 27 pts. They're still without Middleton due to injury but Allen's performance in Game 4 will give them a lot of confidence, especially in a potential matchup with Boston next up.
Chicago are up against the odds to save this series on Thursday and a Bucks blowout does look likely. However, we do prefer the Under as the first two games of the series in Milwaukee were low scoring. The Under is also 7-1 in the last 8 meetings and Chicago holds a 5-0 Unders record in Milwaukee.
Stadium Record
The Bucks have won 8 of their last 11 in Milwaukee. Chicago has lost 8 of their last 9 in Milwaukee.
Head to Head Record
Milwaukee holds a 3-1 series lead and have won 8 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors
The Nuggets kept this series alive with a crucial 126-121 victory in Game 4 on their home court. Jokic led the Nuggets with 37 pts and 8 boards. But he'll look to improve on 7 turnovers. Morris also added 24 pts and Gordon is started to find form after scoring 18+ pts in 2 straight games. However, the challenge for the Nuggets in this series has been winning on the road. But a 5 pt win in Game 4 should give them more confidence going into Thursday's Game 5 matchup.
The Warriors will look to bounce back after the Game 4 loss. But they would be happy with a 1-1 split in Denver after winning the first 2 games of the series in San Francisco. Steph Curry still came off the bench in Game 4 and played 37 minutes on his way to 33 pts. He'll likely rejoin the starting lineup in Game 5 and that will see Poole head back to the bench. Especially after he struggled in Game 4 with just 11 pts and shooting 4 of 15. Klay Thompson had no such problems as he scored 32 pts and hit 7 of 11 from beyond the arc.
We're expecting the Warriors to close out the series on their home court but the Nuggets won't give up without a fight. So we do like the chances of another high scoring affair in this series. The Over is now 4-0 in this playoff series and it's also 6-1 when the Warriors meet the Nuggets. Denver holds a 6-1 Overs record on the road as well.
Stadium Record
The Warriors have won 4 of their last 5 home games. Denver holds a poor 4-12 record on the road against the Warriors.
Head to Head Record
Golden State lead the series 3-1 and have won 6 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet