Milwaukee Bucks were a disaster for bettors under Adrian Griffin
Bucks bettors rejoice: Adrian Griffin is out as Milwaukee’s head coach.
Despite their gaudy record, the Bucks have been a disaster for those who have put their money behind Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. this season, the first under the helm of Griffin.
The Bucks are just 16-27 against the spread this season, the third-worst record ATS in the NBA ahead of only the disappointing Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns.
They are the least profitable team in the league as a double-digit favorite, according to Action Network, going just 2-10 in those games.
Last season, the Bucks were among the best teams in the league ATS, going 44-37-6.
Milwaukee is 30-13, tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the second-best record in the NBA, but there are several signs under the surface – outside of its ATS mark – that point to something not being right with Griffin on the bench.
After years as one of the best defenses in basketball, the Bucks are giving up the sixth-most points per game (120.5) and posting the ninth-worst defensive rating (116.8) in the league.
The Bucks have also had trouble integrating Damian Lillard into their offense.
Lillard is averaging 25.3 points on 42.7 percent shooting, which, outside of an injury-riddled 2021-22 season, are his lowest totals since 2015-2016.
His 17.4 field goal attempts per game are his fewest since 2014-2015, his third season in the NBA.
Milwaukee has also had by far the easiest schedule in the NBA to date, according to ESPN’s strength of schedule rankings.
Bucks brass now appears to have their sights on longtime NBA head coach Doc Rivers, who is already working toward a deal with the team, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Things may be chaotic in Milwaukee, but Vegas oddsmakers still think the Bucks have nearly as good of a shot as any to win their second title of the Antetokounmpo-era this season.
The Bucks currently have the third-best odds to win the 2024 NBA Championship at +480, trailing the favorite Boston Celtics (+300) and defending champ Denver Nuggets (+430).
