Jimmy Butler’s second match with the Golden State Warriors is against the undermanned Milwaukee Bucks. It is difficult to envision Milwaukee effectively mitigating perimeter risks in the near future, particularly secondary threats. The absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo for several weeks will adversely affect an already questionable defense.
Consequently, my prediction for the Warriors versus Bucks matchup is to wager on Golden State’s recently developed secondary perimeter threat.
Continue reading for my NBA selections, with the tip-off scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Monday, February 10.
Prediction for the Warriors against Bucks matchup
My optimal choice
James Butler Exceeding 20.5 points (-115 at bet365)
My assessment
Since December 21, Jimmy Butler has participated in only five games. Indeed, that was his own responsibility, and his overall aversion to consistent play contributed to the decline in his trade value. However, the undeniable reality is that he has not participated in many games recently.
He spent over 29 minutes in his Golden State Warriors debut, scoring 25 points on 7 of 12 shooting and 11 of 13 from the free-throw line. Although he may not frequently reach the free-throw line, a revitalized enthusiasm and desire to demonstrate his capabilities should result in an increase over the 2.8 free throws Butler averaged in his past five games with the Miami Heat.
Furthermore, Butler is likely to have plenty room to maneuver against a vulnerable Milwaukee Bucks defense. Milwaukee is positioned at No. 22 in defensive rating during the past month, highlighting the issue that has persisted since the trade of Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard. Forsaking a defensive identity—one that secured a championship—for the unpredictability of offensive playmaking is an imprudent strategy, as evidenced by the Bucks’ ongoing difficulties over the past eighteen months.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined for a minimum of this week due to a calf injury—potentially for an extended period—Milwaukee’s defense will face increased challenges. Examine the perimeter alternatives.
Lillard will likely pursue Steph Curry. A mix of Andre Jackson, Gary Trent Jr., and AJ Green will occupy the backcourt minutes. Taurean Prince and Kyle Kuzma commenced as forwards for Milwaukee on Sunday. This is scarcely a suffocating defense.
Butler possesses the ball far more than shooting guard Buddy Hield. This is partly due to Butler’s inherent inclination and partly because Golden State must swiftly integrate his presence into its attack as the Warriors pursue a Play-In position.
The Bucks will appropriately concentrate on Curry. Subsequently, they lack sufficient defense to contend with a secondary perimeter threat, which will advantage Butler.
This is unequivocally centered on my skepticism of Milwaukee’s defense. It conceded 127 points to the struggling 76ers on Sunday. Affirmative, like in the previous day.
The Bucks’ participation in the second half of a back-to-back reinforces the expectation that the Warriors will cover this spread. Lillard participated for 44 minutes against Philadelphia. Requesting him to pursue Curry will not yield favorable outcomes for anyone in a Milwaukee jersey.
Opening odds for Warriors versus Bucks
Point Spread: Golden State -6.5 | Milwaukee +6.5
Moneyline: Golden State -270 | Milwaukee +220
Over 233.5 | Under 233.5
Odds provided by bet365
Analysis of the spread and Over/Under for the Warriors at Bucks matchup
The Warriors commenced as 6.5-point favorites on Sunday evening, decreasing to -6 throughout the Super Bowl and fluctuating between -6.5 and -6 into Monday morning.
However, Golden State ascended to -7 early Monday afternoon.
The total commenced at 233.5, decreased to 231.5 by dawn, further declined to 230 during the lunch hour, and stabilized at 230.5.
Trend Analysis: Warriors vs. Bucks
Milwaukee has a record of 1-6 against the spread in its most recent seven games. Discover other NBA wagering trends for the Warriors versus the Bucks.
Instructions for viewing the Warriors at Bucks game
Geographical PositionFiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Date: Monday, October 2, 2025
Game commencement at 8:00 p.m. Extraterrestrial
Television: NBC Sports Bay Area, FanDuel Sports Network – Wisconsin. Latest injuries for Warriors vs. Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks Player Position Status Brook Lopez Center
Daily Shoulder Routine
Reported on Monday, February 10
Damian Lillard, Point Guard, Day-to-Day – Hamstring Injury
Documented: Monday, February 10
Pat Connaughton, Shooting Guard
Daily Report – Calf Monday, February 10
Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF, Out – Calf. Reported: February 9.
Golden State Warriors Player Position Condition
Stephen Curry, Point Guard, Day-to-Day – Quadriceps
Reported: Monday, February 10
Jonathan Kuminga, Power Forward, Out due to Ankle Injury
Reported: Monday, January 27
