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Portland Trail Blazers vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Preview, Predictions and Picks for January 4, 2025

Updated on:
Jan 4, 2025 8:44 PM
The Portland Trail Blazers, seeking to break their road losing streak, head to the Fiserv Forum on January 4th to take on the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks, led by their strong 11-6 home record, look to capitalize on the Blazers' 3-14 road struggles. In this Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference matchup, can the Blazers find a way to overcome their road woes and come out on top?
Portland Trail Blazers vs Milwaukee Bucks

Current Odds

POR
MIL
Over
215.5
-105
Under
215.0
-115
POR
-1.5
+115
MIL
+1.5
-115
POR
ML
+115
MIL
ML
+110

Milwaukee Bucks recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
1/2/25 vs Brooklyn Nets L 113-110
12/31/24 @ Indiana Pacers W 120-112
12/28/24 @ Chicago Bulls L 116-111
12/26/24 vs Brooklyn Nets L 111-105
12/23/24 @ Chicago Bulls W 112-91

Portland Trail Blazers recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
1/2/25 @ Los Angeles Lakers L 114-106
12/30/24 vs Philadelphia 76ers L 125-103
12/28/24 vs Dallas Mavericks W 126-122
12/26/24 vs Utah Jazz W 122-120
12/23/24 @ Dallas Mavericks L 132-108

Milwaukee Bucks injuries

  • Khris Middleton (SF): Day-To-Day
  • AJ Green (G): Day-To-Day

Portland Trail Blazers injuries

  • Matisse Thybulle (SG): Out
  • Jerami Grant (SF): Out

Trail Blazers vs Bucks game info

Type Info
Venue Fiserv Forum
Location Milwaukee, WI
Tip-off Sat 8:00 PM

Trail Blazers vs Bucks predictions

As the Portland Trail Blazers gear up for their game against the Milwaukee Bucks, all eyes will be on Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons. Shaedon Sharpe is expected to put on a strong performance with around 18.9 points. Simons, with his sharp shooting skills, may slightly overshadow Sharpe by adding approximately 19.6 points to the scoreboard while also keeping the ball moving with over five assists. Deandre Ayton, holding it down in the paint, is anticipated to bring in solid rebounds, likely hitting around 10.8 boards, making him a key factor in this matchup. These players will be paramount in breaking the Trail Blazers' road losing streak, known to cause Oregon fans some sleepless nights.

On the Bucks' side, the dynamic duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard is likely to steal the show. Giannis, with his dominating presence on the court, is projected to score close to 27.9 points while grabbing about 12.4 rebounds. He's the powerhouse that Milwaukee leans on time and again. Meanwhile, Lillard, who knows the Trail Blazers all too well, is expected to dish out 7.3 assists and contribute significant points, possibly around 23.4. Brook Lopez's defensive abilities will also be crucial; his knack for racking up blocks could be a game-changer, enhancing the Bucks' chances of capitalizing on mistakes by the Trail Blazers.

With the Bucks having the home-court advantage at Fiserv Forum and their solid performance record at home, they are poised to come out on top. The Trail Blazers, struggling with their 3-14 road record, certainly have a steep hill to climb. However, if Sharpe and Simons can really get going, perhaps there’s a chance to witness an underdog triumph—though that might be wishful thinking against such strong opponents as Giannis and Lillard. In the grand scheme of a season long and grueling, this game could reinforce the Bucks' position in the Eastern Conference while testing the resilience of the Trail Blazers. Who will you be cheering for?

Milwaukee Bucks

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