Brooklyn Nets at Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview
The Brooklyn Nets (3-2) are looking to end the series Thursday. The Milwaukee Bucks (2-3) are trying to use home-court advantage to force a Game 7.
Either way, Thursday night should feature an epic clash as the two Eastern Conference powerhouses battle it out in Game 6. Milwaukee will host this one at the Fiserv Forum, with tipoff scheduled for 8:30 pm ET.
In Game 5, the Nets fought through the absence of Kyrie Irving and a less-than-healthy James Harden to win 114-108. Kevin Durant led all scorers as he had a triple-double with 49 points, 17 rebounds, and ten assists.
In the loss, the Bucks were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo. He had 34 points and 12 rebounds. Khris Middleton added 25 points while Jrue Holiday had 19.
The Bucks are the favorites playing at home. They are -235 to win while the Nets’ moneyline is +194. The spread features Brooklyn +6 (-112), and the over/under for total points is 220 (-108).
By The Numbers
These have been the best two offensive teams in the NBA all season. The Bucks rank atop the list averaging 118.7 points per game. The Nets rank second, averaging 118.1 points.
Defensively, both teams rank towards the bottom of the league. In fact, they are tied for 20th as they both allow opponents 113 points per game.
Shorthanded Nets Look For Big Game From Durant Again
Kyrie Irving has already been ruled out for Thursday, and while James Harden is not on the injury report, it is hard to imagine he will play to the level we are used to. With those two out, it will once again be up to Kevin Durant to carry the Nets.
He was up to the task in the last game scoring 49 points, and has been for most of the postseason. Through 10 games this postseason, Durant has averaged 33.1 points on 52.3% shooting. He is also averaging 9.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.
One key for the Nets to succeed is finding someone else to step up. In Game 5, that was Jeff Green. The veteran scored 27 points on the night. Blake Griffin also was effective, adding 17.
Whether it is these two or a player like Joe Harris or Landry Shamet, Durant will need to find some help along the way.
Bucks Look For Home Court Advantage
While they are facing elimination, the Bucks should come into Game 6 with some confidence. The home team has won every game of this series, and after going 26-10 at the Fiserv Forum, the Bucks know they can win at home.
Still, they need their stars to step up when it is most crucial. Giannis has been solid, averaging 27.4 points on 51.5% shooting, but the Bucks may need even more from him. He has also averaged 13.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists.
Others like Khris Middleton (21.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, four assists) and Jrue Holiday (14.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 7.8 assists) also need to step up their games in order for the Bucks to succeed.
While the Bucks have some depth with players like Bryn Forbes, Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis, it is the trio of Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Holiday that will make or break the Bucks’ ability to win.
Take The Nets And The Points
On paper, the Bucks have no reason not to win this. They are playing at home, they are facing a shorthanded Nets team, and they have a sense of urgency to win as they face elimination.
Still, the Bucks have to show that they not only should win but that they can win. While the Bucks still seem like the solid pick straight up, the Nets +6 seems like a bet too good to pass up.
