The Brooklyn Nets (2-0) hit the road for their first away game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Milwaukee Bucks (0-
2). Tip time is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET at Fiserv Forum. Below, we analyze the Nets-Bucks odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
The Nets absolutely rolled the Bucks in Game 2, finishing the game up 39 while almost pushing the lead to 50 in the second half. It’s even more impressive knowing they were without James Harden and Jeff Green.
As for the Bucks, they’ll be hoping to get more from their two-time MVP while simultaneously needing All-Star-caliber weapons like Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton to step up. Holiday and Middleton have combined for 30 points in both games.
LEAN” Nets (+130) because betting against Kevin Durant playing elite basketball is not a smart move. While Giannis has proven his greatness before, he’s been the focal point of the Nets’ defense.
They’ve held Giannis to 26 points per game, but the Nets aren’t putting him on the line (10 free throws this series) nor letting him get overly involved in the offense (eight assists this series).
On top of the two-time MVP struggling, the Nets’ former MVP has been playing extremely well. Durant is 24-for-43 on the series. With the starters on both sides playing heavy minutes, betting on the Nets despite being on the road is still the smart move.
Stream Links ➠ Stream 1╎Stream 2 HD╎Stream 3 HD
Game 2 didn’t even get close to going Over the 238.5-point total as the Bucks scored only 86 points. The chance for a blowout and non-competitive fourth quarter is a huge risk when taking the Over.
The Bucks finished the regular season with a top-ten defensive rating. Giving up 115 or more points in both games to even a dynamic offensive juggernaut like the Nets is still unacceptable.
The Over hasn’t gotten particularly close in either outing so far, and there’s no reason to expect a massive onslaught of offensive firepower in Game 3. The Under has all the value as the Bucks defense should be able to find its footing.
