Posted at 11:00 AM EST. Odds subject to change.

BET365 -2 -110 Sportsinteraction -2½ -115 888Sport -2½ -110

Milwaukee -2 over Phoenix

Best Odds: -110 at BET365

1:10 PM EST. The markets are being kind to the Phoenix Suns today. The trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal still receives plenty of "street cred" among analysts and oddsmakers. The escalated shooting prowess and scoring ability of the Suns is obvious thanks of their talent, a top-heavy roster but still a group that can beat any team on any day, especially if all three guys have an efficient performance. Since Devin Booker returned from an ankle injury, the Suns have experienced a resurgence, winning four of their last six games, with their only two losses against the mighty Celtics. A recent 35-point game from Kevin Durant in an OT win against the Nuggets was a seminal moment for an outfit that hopes to ascend before the postseason begins, since they currently sit in the 6th spot in the West as a fringe play-in team. 

Interestingly, their marks actually aren't that impressive recently, despite winning more than losing. Over the last two weeks, Phoenix is just 19th in defensive efficiency and even their offense isn't blowing anyone out of the water, ranked 13th over the same span. And they can't rely on their bench, like, ever. Ranked 23rd in net rating in the month of March with an offense that ranks second-last in the NBA, the Suns continue to overly rely on their starting five. Against a team as deep and as effective as the one they'll face today, that's proven to be an issue.

Glen "Doc" Rivers and the Milwaukee Bucks have had some rocky moments this season, but lately they're reaching new levels of consistency. Even when they're not hyper-efficient, they're finding ways to win, claiming victories in eight of their last eleven contests. Their star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, led his team in scoring in nine of those games, showing MVP-caliber form leading into the playoffs. The Bucks' defense has been up and down this season, but lately we've seen them take on a different energy, especially in the second half. They're the #4 rated defense in March in the final two quarters.

Milwaukee is currently the #2 seed in the East, they're healthy (Giannis is always nursing a hamstring injury but worry not, he'll play), according to our power ratings they're a considerably better and more balanced team than their opponent tonight, and they're at home. Those factors alone are enough to like the Bucks to cover, but we love their other situational advantages, too. Milwaukee lost to Phoenix in their first matchup, a close battle where the Suns surged in the third quarter and the Bucks were short handed without Damian Lillard. This is a revenge spot and Milwaukee is coming off three days of rest. Their next game isn't until Wednesday. Phoenix is on the fourth and final leg of a long road trip, while Milwaukee is finally at home after being away for nine of their last twelve affairs. This is a great setup for the better team to win and cover in front of their fans, and 2-points damn sure doesn't deter us.

Farley

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