After an unforgettable playoff series last season, the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets could be destined for another postseason meeting this season.
But before that happens, the Eastern Conference favorites have three more regular season meetings. The first comes tonight in Brooklyn, as the Nets host the Bucks at Barclays Center.
Both teams have taken some early losses and currently look up at the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference standings. But NBA futures odds still view the Nets (+13) and Bucks (+300) as the favorites in the East, well ahead of the Miami Heat (+800), Philadelphia 76ers (+1000), and Bulls (+1200).
It may be the regular season, but you can expect an intense game as top players and top teams meet.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Brooklyn Nets Matchup Info and Betting Odds
Matchup Info
- Game Matchup: Milwaukee Bucks (25-15, 3rd in Eastern Conference) vs Brooklyn Nets (24-12, 2nd in Eastern Conference)
- Venue & Location: Barclays Center (Brooklyn, New York)
- Date: Friday, January 7, 2022
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
Betting Odds
- Spread: Milwaukee Bucks +4.5 (-110), Brooklyn Nets -4.5 (-110)
- Total: OVER 232.5 (-110), UNDER 232.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Milwaukee Bucks +155, Brooklyn Nets -190
Odds are via BetMGM.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Brooklyn Nets Betting Outlook
Bucks Look to Break Short Skid With Giannis Back in Action
The Bucks hosted the Nets to open the new season back in October and claimed a 127-104 win behind 32 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists from Giannis.
Since then, each team has dealt with some lumps, bumps, and struggles. Neither has been spared from COVID concerns. Giannis, Khris Middleton, Kevin Durant, and James Harden have all landed in the NBA’s health and safety protocols.
Giannis missed five games while in the protocols and has missed nine games total this season, and he was rested for Wednesday’s home game against the Toronto Raptors. Milwaukee was on track to win without him, scoring 77 first-half points to lead by nine at the break. But they went cold in the second half, scoring fewer points in the final two quarters (34) than they did in the second quarter (35) to fall 117-111.
Giannis returns tonight, and the Bucks will certainly be better for it based on how he is playing. In 11 games across December and January, Giannis has averaged 29.6 PPG, 11.0 RPG, and 6.1 APG.
But to improve their chances of leaving Brooklyn with a W, Khris Middleton needs to maintain his strong road form. Middleton has scored 20+ in seven of his last eight road games and nine of 13 road games this season. In Milwaukee, he has hit the 20-point mark only six times in 15 games.
Big games from Giannis and Middleton are imperative for the Bucks with a severely depleted backcourt. Jrue Holiday entered the protocols yesterday, joining Grayson Allen, Pat Connaughton, and George Hill. Also, Donte DiVincenzo is out for a few weeks after spraining his ankle in pre-game warmups last Saturday.
Nets Look to Stay in Rhythm Following Kyrie’s Season Debut
Due to his refusal to comply with New York’s vaccine mandate, the Nets were initially without one of the members of their “Big Three.”. But with COVID issues spiraling out of control across the NBA, the Nets softened their stance on Kyrie Irving, welcoming him back to the team as a part-time player.
After his own stint in the COVID protocols and a little time to acclimate, Irving finally made his season debut for the Nets on Wednesday at Indiana. Given the outcome, you would have thought he had never been away. In 32 minutes of action, Irving recorded 22 points (9 of 17 shooting), three boards, and four assists as the Nets downed the Pacers 129-121.
Of course, Kyrie won’t be in action against Milwaukee, as his continued vaccine stance means that he is limited to only road games (minus games in Toronto, due to Canada’s vaccine mandate). So, we will find out how well the Nets function with Kyrie going in and out.
It certainly doesn’t hurt to have Durant and Harden to call on. KD missed three games while in the protocols last month–the Nets had three more postponed–and upon his return, he has resumed pouring in the points as he was before being sidelined. In four games, he has averaged 31.5 PPG. In Wednesday’s win, he lit up the Pacers for 39 points on 15 of 24 shooting and added eight rebounds and seven assists.
Harden missed his four threes against the Pacers, but expect better results against the Bucks. There have been eight previous games this season in which Harden made one or none from deep. How has he fared in the following game each time? In six of those such games, he has hit 3+ threes six times.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Brooklyn Nets Prediction and Best Bets
Brooklyn Nets 121, Milwaukee Bucks 113 (OVER 232.5)
Though they will miss several notable pieces, the Bucks won’t go cold offensively. Jordan Nwora is making the most of an expanded role, averaging 17.1 PPG in his last seven games. And Bobby Portis has scored in double figures in all but two of his 31 games this season.
But it is tough to see Milwaukee taking the win in Brooklyn with so many missing players. The Nets have not thrived at home this season, going 10-9 SU and 5-14 ATS to date. But they will pretty those records up tonight to level the season series with the Bucks.
