Milwaukee Bucks vs Denver Nuggets Picks and Predictions January 23rd 2026

Last Updated on

Denver Nuggets vs Milwaukee Bucks Game Preview

Milwaukee comes home frustrated after getting handled by Oklahoma City, and Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t hide what he thinks is wrong: effort, chemistry, and selfish possessions. That’s a tough backdrop against a Denver team that’s been forced to play connected basketball for weeks because of injuries.

Denver is still without Nikola Jokic and Christian Braun, but Jonas Valanciunas is back, and that matters for getting Denver closer to “normal” minutes and normal rebounding structure on both ends.

Every Sharp Move, Every Capper, All Sports

Track professional picks, line steam, and market swings in real time.

Denver Nuggets vs Milwaukee Bucks Odds

TeamMoneylineSpreadTotal
Denver Nuggets+190+5.5 (-105)O 221.5 (-108)
Milwaukee Bucks-230-5.5 (-115)U 221.5 (-112)

Denver Nuggets Betting Form

Denver’s offense is still good enough to win because Jamal Murray can carry half-court creation, and the role-player scoring has been real. The bigger concern lately has been the glass. When Denver loses the rebound battle badly, the game gets away from them even if the first-shot defense is fine.

Valanciunas returning is the biggest stabilizer. It gives Denver a more reliable way to finish possessions and keeps them from having to play undersized for long stretches.

For recent results, splits, and game logs, use the Denver Nuggets team page.

Milwaukee Bucks Betting Form

The Bucks’ last couple weeks have been defined by uneven energy and sloppy stretches that turn into runs for the other team. Even when Giannis produces, Milwaukee hasn’t been consistent enough possession-to-possession on either end to stop the bleeding.

The injury layer matters too. Kevin Porter Jr. is expected to miss time, which reduces creation and pressure on the perimeter—exactly where Milwaukee needs help when the offense gets stagnant.

For home splits and matchup context, use the Milwaukee Bucks team page.

Basketball
2026-01-23 19:10
Open
Houston Rockets
Detroit Pistons
Basketball
2026-01-23 19:40
Open
Phoenix Suns
Atlanta Hawks
Basketball
2026-01-23 22:10
Open
Toronto Raptors
Portland Trail Blazers

Denver Nuggets vs Milwaukee Bucks Matchup Breakdown

This is a “margin” game.

  • Milwaukee’s path: defend with urgency, win the free-throw math, and keep Denver from living at the three-point line. If the Bucks play connected, they can create separation because Giannis forces constant rotations.
  • Denver’s path: keep it clean, avoid live-ball turnovers, and compete on the glass now that the frontcourt rotation is healthier. If Denver stays attached into the fourth, they’re live to cover because Milwaukee’s late-game execution has been shaky.

Latest Betting Trends

  • Milwaukee has dropped five of its last seven games.
  • Denver has leaned heavily on role-player production while Jokic has been out.

Your Shortcut to the Sharp Side

Watch every verified capper’s move unfold across all major sports

Denver Nuggets vs Milwaukee Bucks Predictions and Best Bets

I’m taking the points with Denver. Milwaukee’s ceiling is still high, but the current form and chemistry concerns make it hard to trust them laying multiple possessions against a disciplined team that can grind.

Best Bet: Nuggets +5.5 (-105) 

Picks and Handicappers