Following a victory on Thursday, the Bucks travel to the nation’s capital to confront the Wizards, aiming for a consecutive win. Washington aims to secure a victory against Milwaukee after suffering defeats in the initial two games of the season series, with Kyle Kuzma and Khris Middleton facing their previous teammates in the opposite locker rooms.
My predictions for the Bucks versus Wizards anticipate that Jordan Poole will excel at Capital One Arena this evening. Examine my NBA selections to understand the rationale for wagering on the Over for two of Poole’s player props in what is anticipated to be a high-scoring contest on Friday, February 21.
Prediction for the Bucks versus Wizards matchup
My optimal choice: Jordan Poole Exceeding 22.5 points (-120 at bet365)
My assessment
Jordan Poole has recently exhibited exceptional scoring ability, entering the All-Star break in peak form. In his last four games, Poole averaged 31 points and 3.3 three-pointers on 24 field goal attempts. During that period, he delivered two 40-point performances, featuring a career-high 45-point game against Cleveland.
Poole is achieving career-high averages in points (21.5), three-pointers (3.5), field goal attempts (16.5), and three-point attempts (9.5) this season. He has borne a huge offensive burden for a youthful and reconstructing Washington Wizards squad that has yet to attain 10 victories.
Poole is one of two Wizards players averaging a minimum of 30 minutes, and he is the sole player on the club averaging over 13 points. His 30.6 usage rate significantly above those of his teammates, as do his shot attempts and three-point attempts. Khris Middleton, the former small forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, is poised to make his debut with the Wizards tonight; nevertheless, his average of 12.6 points per game represents his lowest output in over ten years.
Since his arrival in Washington, Poole has achieved a minimum of 23 points in four out of five encounters with the Bucks. He has averaged 25.8 points, marking his second-highest average versus a single team throughout that period.
Milwaukee’s defensive rating has decreased from 112.4 for the season to 119.1 over the last 10 games. During that period, the Bucks have permitted the eighth-highest number of 3-pointers (14.3) and the seventh-highest points allowed (120.6).
Poole has achieved 23 points or more in 19 games this season, including two of his previous four contests. He has averaged 21.7 points at home, in contrast to 20.7 points on the road, and has recorded 22.3 points per game against Eastern Conference adversaries. I anticipate his exceptional performance against a Bucks squad he has consistently dominated over the past two seasons.
I anticipate Poole to have a significant scoring performance, particularly from three-point range. Poole has made a minimum of four 3-pointers in 21 of 47 games, and he faces an advantageous matchup against the Bucks’ susceptible perimeter defense.
This season, the Wizards and Bucks have averaged a total of 222.9 points, however in the previous 10 games, their combined average has increased to 225.2 points. Washington’s defense has been susceptible throughout the season, while Milwaukee’s previously robust defense has recently deteriorated. An enhanced offensive coupled with a deficient defense creates the conditions for a high-scoring game in Washington, D.C.
