The Brooklyn Nets will host the Milwaukee Bucks for Game 2 of this second-round series. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Bucks-Nets prediction and pick.
Brooklyn got off a to a hot start in Game 1 and secured the crucial victory by a score of 115-107. The Nets certainly had to overcome some adversity as James Harden left the game in the opening frame and did not return. Harden has been ruled out for Game 2, which gives the Bucks a better opportunity to even the series as it heads to Milwaukee.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the Bucks-Nets odds.
NBA Odds: Bucks-Nets Odds
Milwaukee Bucks +1.5 (-113)
Brooklyn Nets -1.5 (-107)
Over 236 Points (-110)
Under 236 Points (-110)
Why The Bucks Could Cover The Spread
The Bucks weren't able to carry over the momentum from their first-round sweep into Game 1 of this series. The Bucks looked energized and motivated in the opening frame but fell apart as the game went on. They had an opportunity to run away with the game when James Harden left with an injury but failed to match the Nets' intensity throughout.
Many were shocked to see Milwaukee get outhustled in the middle portion of Game 1 after the way the club absolutely dismantled the Miami Heat in the first round. It's hard to imagine that Harden's absence hurt the Bucks more than it did the Nets, but they seemed discombobulated following his departure. Despite the poor effort, Giannis Antetokounmpo still did his thing with 34 points and 11 boards.
Jrue Holiday and Kris Middleton really struggled to get anything going offensively. The duo combined for 30 points in a horrible shooting night from the floor. Milwaukee's trio will have to bounce back in a big way in order to outplay this Nets team for 48 minutes. The true difference maker for Milwaukee will be the defensive performance that we see from P.J. Tucker when matched up with Kevin Durant.
Why The Nets Could Cover The Spread
The Nets showed in Game 1 why they are the favorite to win the championship. Brooklyn's Big Three is unlike any other we have ever seen. James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant are all elite playmakers who can pick and choose their spots as they please. Harden is arguably the most important member, so when he went out in the first quarter, some thought this team would fold against an elite Bucks squad.
Brooklyn responded in a big way, however, with a dominant performance the rest of the way. Durant led the way with 29 points and 10 rebounds, while Kyrie Irving added 25 points of his own. The two superstars were as advertised, but it was Blake Griffin who ultimately stole the show. Griffin filled the void with a huge double-double with 18 points and 14 boards in the win.
The energy that Brooklyn showed on the defensive end was extremely promising. Without Harden in the lineup, the Nets know that it'll be harder to outscore an elite offensive team for 48 minutes. The series will be won on the defensive side of the ball, and the Nets looked like the far better team on that end in Game 1.
Final Bucks-Nets Game 2 Prediction & Pick
The absence of James Harden will catch up to the Nets in this one. Milwaukee abused the Nets on the boards in Game 1 and certainly has the edge down low. The Bucks outscored the Nets 72-48 in the paint as well, which will be sustainable going forward. The blame for the loss should lie on the shoulders of Jrue Holiday and Kris Middleton, and I expect them to bounce back with better shooting performances in Game 2. Milwaukee is the deeper club in this series and now the club with more star power as well. The Bucks will even the series as it heads to Milwaukee.
FINAL PICK: Milwaukee Bucks +1.5 (-113)
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