We’re used to watching playoff or playoff-like games any time the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets get together, but tonight’s contest will be nothing more than a race toward the alarm clock for both teams.
It’s only the preseason, but both these Eastern Conference juggernauts have been asleep for the better part of the past two weeks. With a combined 0-6 preseason record, both squads look far off from their “final forms.”
With the Bucks already playing four games and losing each one, tonight’s contest offers them one final chance to escape the preseason with at least one victory. The Nets look lost in the woods as well, and although there’s no need to panic, they undoubtedly want to break into the win column as well.
Brooklyn Nets vs Milwaukee Bucks Odds, Moneyline, Over/Under
The Nets enter this contest as underdogs for the first time this preseason by a +3 point spread. Their moneyline odds sit at +130 and the game’s over/under is at 227 points.
Milwaukee deserves this three-point spread at home. It even feels a bit generous on Brooklyn’s behalf considering how they were blown out of the water in their past two outings.
There’s no “lock” when looking at the over/under, but for bettors that like a little risk, the over looks tasty. Even with Brooklyn’s struggles, it still feels like a matter of when and not if their offense will explode. These odds estimate that the team will score around 110 points during this affair, but if tonight is the night things start to click, the over should be easy money.
Brooklyn Nets vs Milwaukee Bucks Lineups
With Joe Harris out and Kyrie Irving back, the Nets will run with a lineup similar to the one we expect to see on opening night. The Bucks will feature their normal starters as well, while also including former Net Jevon Carter.
Brooklyn Nets Starting Five
- PG: Ben Simmons
- SG: Kyrie Irving
- SF: Royce O’Neale
- PF: Kevin Durant
- C: Nic Claxton
Milwaukee Bucks Starting Five
- PG: Jrue Holiday
- SG: Jevon Carter
- SF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
- PF: Bobby Portis
- C: Brook Lopez
Brooklyn Nets vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction
At full strength, Brooklyn’s greatest issues lie down low. Even with both Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe possessing tremendous upside, they do not strike you as lock down centers just yet. The Nets put this weakness on full-display against the Heat their last time out, allowing 56 points in the paint.
Going up against a frontcourt of Brook Lopez and the Greek Freak? That’s a nightmare waiting to happen. Milwaukee will likely chow down on Brooklyn inside, cover the spread, and win the game.
Prediction: Brooklyn Nets 113, Milwaukee Bucks 125
Brooklyn Nets Up Next
Brooklyn’s preseason finale keeps them on the road, as they plunge further west to face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Minnesota being a new-look team this season due to the Rudy Gobert acquisition, this contest has all the makings of an entertaining watch.
After that, the real show begins. Brooklyn will return home for their season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans. The opening night cast should include Kevin Durant, Zion Williamson, Kyrie Irving, Brandon Ingram, Ben Simmons, and C.J. McCollum. That’s a blockbuster by all accounts.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change