Milwaukee Bucks vs. Brooklyn Nets preview, betting odds, how to watch
The Milwaukee Bucks welcome the Brooklyn Nets to Fiserv Forum Wednesday evening for the Bucks third game of the season and the Nets fourth. Since the 2020-21 season the Bucks are 6-1 against the Nets at home, regular season and playoffs.
The Bucks are 2-0 with a defensive statement win over Philadelphia in their season opener last Thursday and a blowout win over the Houston Rockets on Saturday. The Nets lost their season opener to the New Orleans Pelicans, won their second game against the Toronto Raptors and dropped their most recent game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.
The newest thing the Bucks will have to contend with on the Nets is Ben Simmons. The Bucks and Nets did play against each other in the preseason but that’s hardly indicative of what a regular season matchup will be like. Ben Simmons is averaging just 5.7 points, but also 6.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists, what really stands out about Simmons is that he has fouled out of two of the Nets first three games and hasn’t played a game with a positive +/- thus far. Kevin Durant is an ever present threat and the Bucks are familiar with his skillset.
The Milwaukee Bucks however, got a signature win over the 76ers and most recently a blowout win over the Rockets. The Bucks have four days in between games and should be well rested, including Giannis Antetokounmpo who was absolutely fantastic on Saturday. Giannis finished Saturday’s home opener with 44 points and 12 rebounds on 17-of-21 shooting, including 2-of-3 from the 3-point line. Giannis also made eight free throws. What’s crazy about that stat-line is the fact that he did that in less than 28 minutes. Giannis became the first in Bucks history to do so.
That isn’t the only milestone Giannis has put under his belt, Giannis has now passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most made field goals in franchise history and Sidney Moncrief for most made free throws in franchise history.
It is likely that the Milwaukee Bucks come in with more confidence and look to remain undefeated and send the Nets out of Milwaukee 1-3.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Brooklyn Nets injury report
The Milwaukee Bucks have the same three players unavailable, Joe Ingles, Khris Middleton and Pat Connaughton. As for the Brooklyn Nets they will be without three solid role players, Seth Curry, Markieff Morris and TJ Warren. Aside from the Bucks missing Middleton this game should be a pretty even matchup.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Brooklyn Nets betting odds
According to Fanduel Sportsbook, the Milwaukee Bucks are 3.5 point favorites over the Nets. Moneylines are set at -164 for the Bucks and +3.5 for the Nets. Over/under is set at 233.5.
How to watch Milwaukee Bucks vs Brooklyn Nets
This game will be on both ESPN and on Bally Sports Wisconsin starting at 6:30 central time.
How to stream Milwaukee Bucks vs Brooklyn Nets
Viewers will be able to stream this game on ESPN and ESPN+, for those who choose, the game can also be streamed on Bally Sports+, the new streaming service available for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Predictions for the Milwaukee Bucks vs Brooklyn Nets
Given how the Bucks have looked in the first two games and the consistent dysfunction and lack of consistency for the Brooklyn Nets, I feel the Bucks will remain undefeated after Wednesday night. The Bucks are favored by 3.5 points and I feel the Bucks will be able to cover that and beat the Nets without having to suffer the anxiety of a last second shot.
Jrue Holiday bounced back after a poor shooting night in the season opener by shooting 8-of-15 from the field on Saturday. Wesley Matthews and Grayson Allen are contributing, Brook Lopez is returning to his Splash Mountain look and playing great interior defense with seven blocks through the first two games. Couple that with Mr. Double Double Bobby Portis and the Bucks are a very formidable team regardless of who is on the other bench.
Before you even get to guys like Jevon Carter, George Hill, Jordan Nwora and Serge Ibaka, the Bucks have gotten contributions from every player that has stepped on the floor in the first two games so far this season.
All of this said, I think the Bucks win this one and the game doesn’t seem as close as the final score.
Score Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks 120, Brooklyn Nets 110
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