Bucks vs. Suns prediction and odds for NBA Summer League (Target total)
By Reed Wallach
The Bucks scored an opening game win in 2023 NBA Summer League, beating the Denver Nuggets 82-75.
The Bucks were paced by 23 points from MarJon Beauchamp and all around outing from Andre Jackson Jr, who played great defense and grabbed six rebounds in addition to eight points. The Bucks look to make it two in a row on Saturday against the Suns.
Phoenix doesn't have any first round picks this year, but will hope that the likes of rookies Grant Sherfield and Marcus Carr can jumpstart the team's offense.
Here are the odds and our best bet:
Bucks vs. Suns odds, spread and total
Spread:
- Bucks: -3 (-110)
- Suns: +3 (-110)
Moneyline:
- Bucks: -145
- Suns: +125
Total: 178.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Bucks vs. Suns prediction and pick
The Bucks first game was lower than scoring than expected, totaling 177 points in a 92-85 win, as the team struggled from the perimeter. Milwaukee shot only 26% from beyond the arc in the win, but grabbed 12 more rebounds in the win.
I believe we are going to see a similar game on Saturday with the Suns lacking the necessary ball handling and proven talent to outpace the Bucks, who have plenty of size in the frontcourt to limit Phoenix to one shot, with Beauchamp, Jackson on the wing with Tacko Fall protecting the rim.
This is the lowest total of the day, likely anchored by the Bucks low scoring first game, but I believe that it's dropped too far given the sheer amount of possessions we are seeing in Las Vegas this year.
Neither the Bucks or the Nuggets shot well from beyond the arc or the free throw line, but there were plenty of shots, with both teams taking over 60 field goal attempts and combining for 52 freebies.
From a pace perspective, this game should get into the 180's, leading me to the over.
PICK: OVER 178.5
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.