Bucks Host Nuggets in Critical Matchup at Fiserv Forum

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin — The Milwaukee Bucks (32-25) will face the Denver Nuggets (38-20) at Fiserv Forum on Thursday night at 8 p.m. EST, a crucial matchup that has implications for both squads as they vie for playoff positioning.

After suffering a narrow 100-97 defeat against the Rockets on Tuesday, the Bucks are looking to bounce back. That loss marked only their third setback in nine games. Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee’s scoring with 27 points, alongside 10 rebounds and six assists, while Damian Lillard’s late-game 3-pointer attempt fell short for Houston.

The Nuggets are entering this contest after gaining momentum with a decisive 125-116 victory against the Timberwolves on Monday, marking their tenth win in eleven games. Denver’s balanced offensive performance featured all five starters scoring at least 15 points, an achievement not reached since 1995.

Aaron Gordon shone brightly during the game, providing a team-high 25 points. Nikola Jokić delivered an impressive performance with 18 points and a career-best 19 assists, tying Wilt Chamberlain for the second-most assists in a game by a center in NBA history. Michael Porter Jr. aided in the victory with a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds.

This will be the first meeting between the Bucks and the Nuggets this season, following a split in last year’s series. Historically, the Nuggets have won 12 of the last 20 encounters, adding more significance to this upcoming game.

Fans can catch the action live on TNT, truTV, and Max, with the Nuggets favored by 3.5 points. The Bucks are listed at +140 on the money line, while the Nuggets sit at -170. The over/under for the game is set at 240.5 points, according to BetMGM.