Milwaukee Bucks at Brooklyn Nets Betting Preview
Two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference square off Friday night as the Milwaukee Bucks (22-9) take on the Brooklyn Nets (20-12). The Nets will host this one at the Barclays Center, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 pm ET.
Milwaukee will be trying to bounce back from a 114-106 loss on Wednesday. In the defeat, Giannis Antetokounmpo had a game-high 45 points to go along with 14 rebounds and four assists. Brook Lopez was the next leading scorer with 14.
For the Nets, they come in having won seven in a row, including a 143-113 win over Golden State on Wednesday. Kevin Durant had 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. This was a team effort, though, as nine players scored in double digits in the victory.
The Nets come in as slight favorites in this one. They are -142 to win, while the Bucks’ moneyline sits at +120. The spread features Milwaukee +2.5 (-108).
Bucks Look For Second Win Of The Season Against Nets
Friday’s matchup will be the second time that these two teams have squared off this season. The Bucks were victorious at home 110-99 back on October 26. While a lot has changed since then, Milwaukee hopes to make it two in a row against Brooklyn.
Statistically, the Bucks currently rank 17th in the league on offense, averaging 112.9 points per game (106.4 on the road). In terms of scoring defense, they rank fourth overall, allowing just 108.9 points per game to opponents.
Leading the charge for Milwaukee is perennial MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo. The “Greek Freak” is currently averaging a double-double with 31.6 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. He is also averaging 5.1 assists and a block each night.
Aside from Antetokounmpo, other contributors for Milwaukee include Jrue Holiday (18.8 points, 7.6 assists, 5.3 rebounds), Brook Lopez (14.6 points, six rebounds), Bobby Portis (13.8 points, ten rebounds), and Grayson Allen (10.5 points).
Unfortunately, it appears that one of the Bucks’ more talented players will be out again Friday, as Khris Middleton is doubtful for this one because of a knee issue. He has only played in seven games all season.
Nets Look To Keep Rolling
It has been quite a streak for the Brooklyn Nets, and they don’t have any intention of stopping their winning ways as they face the top seed in the East.
Leading Brooklyn’s offense is forward Kevin Durant. In 31 games this season, he is averaging 30.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game.
Another one of Brooklyn’s superstars, Kyrie Irving, is also probable for this one (calf). He has only played in 22 games thus far, but he is averaging 26.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in those games.
The rest of the major contributors include Nic Claxton (11.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.3 blocks), Royce O’Neale (9.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists), Seth Curry (8.7 points), and Ben Simmons (8.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, six assists, 1.3 steals).
Overall, the Nets rank 10th in the NBA in scoring defense, allowing opponents just 111.5 points per game. Offensively, they rank 15th in scoring, averaging 114 points per game.
Take Milwaukee And The Points
Looking at the trends, the Bucks are 10-4 in their last 14 games. In their last seven games against Brooklyn, they are 6-1 both straight up and against the spread.
As for the Nets, they are 9-1 in their last ten home games; however, they are just 4-11 against the Bucks at home. In their last five games, they are 4-1 against the spread.
These are two teams that could meet up in the Eastern Conference finals, so to see them at this juncture of the season makes for an early Christmas present.
Expect this to be a battle to the end, and for that reason, take the points. In this case, that means taking the Bucks +2.5 (-112).
