The Milwaukee Bucks head back to the northeast to take on the Brooklyn Nets in a huge Game 7 matchup. The winner advances to the next round while the loser goes home. It's time to continue our NBA Playoffs odds series with a Bucks-Nets Game 7 prediction and pick.
After a monster performance from Giannis Antetokoumpo and Khris Middleton, the Bucks were able to tie the series 3-3 and force a Game 7 matchup. They hope to repeat their performance and move onto the Eastern Conference Finals.
Kevin Durant has been playing by himself throughout most of his series. Kyrie Irving fell to injury and is already ruled out for Game 7, and since coming back, James Harden has been nowhere to be found. The Slim Reaper will have to be at the top of his game, as it seems to be up to him for the Nets to continue their playoff journey.
Here's how the sportsbooks have set the odds for the Bucks-Nets Game 7 matchup.
2021 NBA Playoffs: Bucks-Nets Game 7 odds
Milwaukee Bucks +2 (-111)
Brooklyn Nets -2 (-109)
Over 215 (-115)
Under 215 (-105)
Why the Bucks could cover the spread
Milwaukee enters the game as the very slight underdog, but that mainly is due to the fact it is playing on the road. The Bucks have relied on the consistency of Giannis Antetokoumpo and Khris Middleton, and that won't stop anytime soon. The duo has created a dominating inside-outside game and they complement each other well. Their strategy should be much of the same, feed Giannis and let Middleton do his thing.
Rebounding has played a crucial part in the Bucks' success in this series. They controlled the boards in Game 6, which gave them a huge edge throughout the game. Look for Milwaukee to dominate the paint like they always do, and kick it out to Middleton as he's their main weapon at the perimeter. If they can do that, the Bucks can cover the spread, or better yet, pull the upset and advance in the playoffs.
Why the Nets could cover the spread
The simple answer here is Kevin Durant. He's been a man possessed in this series while James Harden and Kyrie Irving have dealt with injuries. We've witnessed Durant record a triple-double once before, and he might need to do that again in Game 7. He's one of the best pure scorers in league history, as he's a mismatch for anyone guarding him.
Hopefully, he receives some help in Game 7 though, as Durant can't do everything by himself. Harden did show some improvement in the last matchup after putting up a dud in Game 5. However, he'll need to elevate his game too if he hopes to move onto the next round. If James Harden can get his groove back and like the superstar, we know him to be, then the Nets will be too much to handle for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Final Bucks-Nets Game 7 prediction & pick
This is a huge game that feels like a title fight for the Heavyweight belt. The Greek Freak versus the Slim Reaper. Giannis and Durant have been going at it throughout this series and we should see the same fireworks we've been watching throughout. However, only one team can come away with a win and advance in the playoffs. The Brooklyn Nets are favored, though slightly, they have everything at their disposal to move onto the next round. The key for the Nets is James Harden. If he shows up and plays like his usual self, then the Bucks postseason run is likely done.
FINAL PICK: The Brooklyn Nets win 108-105
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