When it comes to March Madness picks, there are always surprises. Every online betting handicapper knows that the NCAA tournament is all about teams coming out of nowhere to pull some impressive shockers.
But what about in the NBA?
The Milwaukee Bucks have been one of those surprise teams as they weren't expected to do anything whatsoever in this year, let alone make the NBA playoffs as a No. 5 seed. On top of that, the Bucks have been playing without their supposed best player, Michael Redd, who is out for the season.
But expectations don't matter; only results do. The Bucks were sitting at 18-25 on January 26th but since then have won 12 of their last 17 games. Defense has been the name of the game for the Bucks, who stifle their opponents regularly and then do just enough on offense to win.
On Saturday, though, that philosophy won't work against one of the highest-scoring teams in the NBA.
Milwaukee Bucks @ Denver Nuggets
BetPhoenix Odds (BetPhoenix Reviews): Nuggets -7
The eighth-best defense meets the third-best offense in the NBA when the Bucks travel to the Pepsi Center on Saturday. But the real difference in this game is going to be the home court advantage.
The Bucks have played much better of late as mentioned, but what wasn't mentioned was the fact that most of their wins came at home opposed to on the road. On the year, the Bucks are still just 13-21 on the road versus a sparkling 23-9 at home.
Interestingly enough, though, the Bucks have won six of their last eight road games.
Winning against the Knicks, Pacers, Heat, Wizards and Nets on their hardwood isn't the same as winning in Denver and everyone knows that.
The Nuggets are one of the league's best home teams with a 30-5 record at the Pepsi Center and the Bucks will have to play near perfect to win.
The reason home court advantage is so important is because the team that is at home usually dictates the pace. Both of these teams have such contrasting styles that it will make a big difference on Saturday.
Earlier this year, the Bucks got a win over Denver when they were at home and the Nuggets will repay them nicely with a big win over the Bucks on Saturday night.
Fatigue also might play a factor as the Bucks will be playing their third road game in four nights on Saturday.
Sportsbook Pick: Denver
