Milwaukee Bucks: 3 X-factors for playoff series with Brooklyn Nets

Giannis Antetokounmpo will be an X-factor for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Brooklyn Nets

The eventual outcome of this series between the Bucks and Nets will likely ride on the broad shoulders of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The two-time league MVP was on a mission in the three regular season meetings with Brooklyn this year by averaging a heroic 39.7 points per game. Primarily being defended by Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan in those matchups, Antetokounmpo was scoring the basketball below his typical efficiency by shooting 48.9 percent shooting from the floor, but it was still a solid stretch for him without question.

The biggest eye-catching note from his string of performances from the Nets this season was that he shot 10-for-26 (38.5 percent) from behind the arc. Brooklyn’s defenders will give the Greek Freak space out on the perimeter to seal off the paint, and if he can consistently knock down these outside shots, they will have to go back to the drawing board. Also dishing out 15 total assists over those three contests, Giannis can keep the Nets guessing while going on a tear himself or getting his teammates involved in the action.

They will also need the reigning Defensive Player of the Year at his best on that side of the ball. With Brooklyn’s high-octane offense firing on all cylinders as their Big 3 is set to play against Milwaukee at full-strength for the first time this year, Antetokounmpo must play at the highest level possible to slow their attack. The only team to average more points than the Nets during the regular season was the Bucks, increasing the importance of defense in this matchup. Expect to see Antetokounmpo get his share of face time against Durant tonight to keep the two-time Finals MVP in check.

The Bucks and Nets will hit the floor tonight for a highly-anticipated Game 1 in what should be a thrilling series as both teams are gunning for the title.