MILWAUKEE @ PHOENIX (PHX -2.5, 225.5)
NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS
BUCKS @ SUNS 3/24/25
After leading the Milwaukee Bucks to the NBA championship in 2021, Mike Budenholzer was fired two years later following a 58-win campaign. When Milwaukee visits Phoenix on Monday night, Budenholzer, who is currently in his first season with the Suns, will coach against his old team for the first time since the dismissal.
In his five seasons with Milwaukee, Budenholzer finished 271-120, but he was given the pink slip after the Bucks were the top seed in the Eastern Conference and they were eliminated in the first round in 2023. That series was won in five games by the eighth-seeded Miami Heat.
Prior to being tabbed by the Suns to take Frank Vogel's place after he was fired, Budenholzer did not coach during the 2023–24 season. The Bucks defeated Phoenix in six games to win the championship under Budenholzer.
After the Bucks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 123–112 at home on Friday, the coach, however, had no interest in discussing the team. On April 1, the two teams play again as the Suns travel to the Bucks. It will also be Budenholzer's first game back in Milwaukee.
This season, Phoenix (34-37) is merely attempting to qualify for the play-in round. With 11 games left in the season, the Suns and the Dallas Mavericks are tied for the tenth and final Western Conference spot. However, as of right now, the Suns are 3-0 on their homestand, which ends on Wednesday against the Boston Celtics.
Kevin Durant led the way with 42 points, eight assists, and six rebounds in the thrilling victory over the Cavaliers, who are currently in first place in the East. Durant made 17 out of 29 shots.
Given that 10 of the Suns' next 11 games are against teams in the playoffs or play-in spots, they could use more games like that.
Milwaukee (40-30) is currently in fifth place in the Eastern Conference and has won consecutive games. The Bucks have a five-game road trip record of 2-1. Damian Lillard has missed the last two games for Milwaukee due to a calf injury. He won't play in the game tonight. Jericho Sims (thumb) and Bobby Portis Jr. (suspension) will also miss time.
With 32 points and 17 rebounds in Saturday's 114-108 victory over Sacramento, Giannis Antetokounmpo was a one-man show. After Milwaukee fell behind 14 points in the first minute of the third quarter, he came into his own and scored 22 points on 9 of 11 shots during that time.
Bradley Beal will miss his fourth straight game for Phoenix.
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COACH RICK FREE PICK:
KEVIN DURANT OVER 2.5 THREE-POINTERS
This is a plus-money bet and Durant has been delivering as of late, especially at home. Durant hit 3 against Chicago last Wednesday and 4 more on Friday against Cleveland. He’s now hit 3 or more threes in 6 of his last 10 games, but he’s even more deadly at home. He’s gone Over this prop in 8 of his last 10 home games and in 63 percent of all home games this season.