Portland Trail Blazers vs Milwaukee Bucks January 28th 2025
At 10:00 ET, the Milwaukee Bucks (-245) will travel to take on the Portland Trail Blazers (+202) in a non-conference matchup. The Bucks are currently favored by 6.5 points, and the over/under line is set at 230.
This game will be played at the Moda Center in Portland and can be seen on TNT.
Bucks vs. Trail Blazers Key Information
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Milwaukee Bucks at Portland Trail Blazers
- Where: Portland at Moda Center
- Date: Tuesday, January 28th
- Betting Odds MIL -6.5, MIL -245 | POR +202 O/U 230
The Bucks Can Win If…
The Bucks improved to 26-18 on the season with a 125-110 win over the Jazz on Monday. Milwaukee, favored by 8.5 points, covered the spread in the win. The game’s total points of 235 fell just short of the 239.5 over/under line.
A key moment came when the Bucks went on a 13-0 run, extending their lead from 10-8 to 23-8. They led 100-80 after three quarters, and despite being outscored 30-25 in the 4th, they held on for the win.
In their win over the Jazz, the Bucks shot 60.5% from the field, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard both scoring 35 points. Giannis added 18 rebounds and 7 assists, shooting 69.6%, while Lillard contributed 8 assists and hit 4 threes at 40% efficiency.
Khris Middleton chipped in 22 points, shooting 76.9% from the field. The Bucks made 12 threes, shooting 35.3% from deep. Giannis scored 14 points in the 1st quarter, while Lillard added 12 in the 4th.
Defensively, the Bucks were strong in the 3rd quarter, giving up just 21 points, helping them secure the win over the Jazz. Overall, they allowed 110 points, with Utah scoring 26 in the 1st quarter, 33 in the 2nd, and 30 in the 4th. Milwaukee held the Jazz to 41% shooting from the field.
The Bucks sent Utah to the free-throw line 13 times, where they made 10 shots. From beyond the arc, the Jazz hit 18 threes on 33% shooting. Milwaukee grabbed 41 defensive rebounds, gave up 15 offensive boards, and added 6 steals and 5 blocks.
- Although Milwaukee has a straight up record of 1-2 in their last three road games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 1-2. The team averaged 116 points per game in these games.
- As the betting favorite, the Bucks have an ATS record of 3-0 in their last three games. In these matchups, their straight up record was 3-0.
- Over their last five games, the Bucks have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 4-1 vs. the spread.
The Trail Blazers Can Win If…
Portland fell to 17-29 on the season after a 118-108 home loss to the Thunder on Sunday. Despite being +14 point underdogs, the Trail Blazers managed to cover the spread. The game’s total points landed exactly on the O/U line of 226.
After a 27-27 tie in the 1st quarter, the Thunder took control by outscoring Portland 39-26 in the 2nd quarter. The Trail Blazers made a push in the 4th, going on a 10-0 run to cut the deficit from 93-80 to 93-90, but ultimately couldn’t complete the comeback.
The Trail Blazers struggled from the field in their loss to the Thunder, shooting just 40.7%, but they excelled from beyond the arc, hitting 18 threes at a 45% clip. Deni Avdija led the way with 28 points, 8 assists, and 8 rebounds, connecting on 4 threes.
Scoot Henderson added 25 points, making 5 threes, while Toumani Camara also hit 5 threes, finishing with 24 points and 9 rebounds on 72.7% shooting. Camara was perfect from three and scored 13 of his points in the 3rd quarter.

Despite a strong defensive effort in the 3rd and 4th quarters, the Trail Blazers couldn’t overcome a tough 2nd quarter where they gave up 39 points in their 118-108 loss to the Thunder. Portland allowed Oklahoma City to shoot 47% from the field.
The Trail Blazers did well defending the three, holding the Thunder to 10 made threes on 33% shooting. However, they sent Oklahoma City to the line 29 times, where they made 24 free throws. Portland finished with 31 defensive rebounds, allowed 14 offensive boards, and recorded 6 blocks.
- Across their last five home contests, Portland has been good against the spread posting a mark of 5-0. Their overall mark in these games was 4-1, while averaging 109 points per game.
- Going back to their previous ten games as the underdog, Portland has an ATS mark of 7-3 while going 4-6 straight up.
- In their last five games, the Trail Blazers have an over/under record of 2-2-1 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.
The Lean
In this Bucks vs. Trail Blazers matchup, our point-spread bet is on the Trail Blazers at +6.5. While we project the Bucks to win 140-138, our recommendation is to bet on the Trail Blazers for the point-spread.
As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 230 and our model has the Bucks and Trail Blazers finishing with a combined 278 points. Our pick is to take the over.
Damian Lillard Makes Another Emotional Return to Portland
For Damian Lillard, heading back to Portland to face the Trail Blazers isn’t as surreal as the first time. This second return on Tuesday night with the Milwaukee Bucks carries a more relaxed vibe for the former face of the franchise.
Lillard, who spent 11 iconic seasons with Portland, built a legacy as their all-time leading scorer (19,736 points) and 3-point leader (2,387 makes). His first trip back last season came with heightened emotions and a bittersweet ending as Portland took a 119-116 win despite Lillard scoring 25 points.
“This time around, it’s definitely more chill,” Lillard said after Milwaukee’s 125-110 win over Utah on Monday. “That first one was weird—it wasn’t long after the trade. But now, it’s about business. We’re there to win.”
Lillard & Giannis Lead Bucks’ Charge
Milwaukee enters the game hot, winning nine of its last 11 games. On Monday, they dominated the Jazz with a sizzling 60.5% shooting performance. Lillard racked up 35 points on 14-of-22 shooting, extending his streak to 11 games of 20+ points. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo added a monstrous 35 points and 18 rebounds.
“We’ve been growing together as teammates,” Lillard said of his partnership with Antetokounmpo. “It’s about finding ways to dominate together.”
Both stars are in peak form—Giannis has posted 10 straight games with at least 20 points, averaging 31.4 points and 13.6 rebounds during this stretch.
Portland’s Youth Movement Shows Promise
The Trail Blazers are rebuilding and have shown flashes of potential, highlighted by a recent four-game winning streak. On Sunday, they fell 118-108 to the Oklahoma City Thunder despite standout performances from Scoot Henderson (25 points) and Deni Avdija, who posted season-highs of 28 points and eight assists.
Henderson, the No. 3 pick in the 2023 draft, continues to impress. “Scoot’s been so consistent lately—it’s great to see him grow,” said coach Chauncey Billups.
Despite the loss, Portland is finding ways to compete. Against Oklahoma City, Toumani Camara added a career-high 24 points, showcasing the team’s rising talent. Billups praised his squad, saying, “There was nothing discouraging about this game. I loved our effort and execution.”
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Bucks Look to Even the Score
Portland edged Milwaukee 105-102 earlier this month in a game where the Bucks struggled offensively. Lillard scored just 16 points on 5-of-15 shooting, while Anfernee Simons led the Blazers with 28 points.
This time, Milwaukee will look to capitalize on its momentum and Lillard’s comfort in facing his former team. The Trail Blazers, however, are eager to prove their mettle against one of the NBA’s best duos.
As Lillard puts it, “It’s always good to be back in Portland, but winning the game comes first.”