The Milwaukee Bucks (9-4) face off against the Brooklyn Nets (8-6) at the Barclays Center in what is probably the headliner of the NBA’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day slate. The tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Bucks-Nets NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
Milwaukee is on a four-game winning streak (2-2 against the spread) entering Monday’s meeting with the Nets. The Bucks squeaked past the Dallas Mavericks 112-109 as 8-point home favorites Friday. Despite not covering vs. the Mavericks, Milwaukee is still 3-2 ATS against above-.500 teams.
The Nets won their first game since trading for former MVP James Harden by beating the Orlando Magic 122-115 at home Saturday but couldn’t cover as 9-point favorites. Harden was spectacular in his debut, posting a triple-double with 32 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists. Not to be outdone, PF Kevin Durant dropped 42 points on 16-for-26 shooting with 4 rebounds and 5 assists.
Not that it matters given all of Brooklyn’s recent roster turnover, but the Bucks have beaten the Nets in seven of their past 10 contests (6-4 ATS).
Bucks at Nets: Betting odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:44 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Bucks -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Nets +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
- Against the spread/ATS: Bucks -2.5 (-110) | Nets +2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 237.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Bucks at Nets: Key Injuries
Bucks
- None
Nets
- SG Spencer Dinwiddie (knee) out
- PG Kyrie Irving (personal) questionable
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Bucks at Nets: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Bucks 121, Nets 113
Money line (ML)
If continuity and defense are a thing in basketball, and it is, then how can you not TAKE the BUCKS (-140) here? This could be the Nets’ first game with their trio of all-time scorers if Irving can play, and Milwaukee has the highest regular-season winning percentage since head coach Mike Budenholzer was hired in 2018.
The acquisition of PG Jrue Holiday fortified Milwaukee’s perimeter defense and gave the Bucks a big three featuring Holiday, reigning back-to-back MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and All-Star SF Khris Middleton.
The market is high on the Nets—most bookmakers made Brooklyn the favorite to win the Eastern Conference after acquiring Harden—and while there’s a good chance these teams meet in a playoff series, the Nets need time to get comfortable with each other. I’d BET BUCKS (-140) to win the first matchup between these title contenders.
Against the spread (ATS)
PASS ON THE SPREAD and just stick with betting Milwaukee to just win. You could pick either or, but my preference is the Bucks’ money line.
Over/Under (O/U)
Milwaukee is too good defensively to bet an Over if this total is in the mid 230s. The Bucks rank eighth in defensive rating and sixth in opponent’s 3-point percentage. I am nervous betting against the Nets’ superstars getting buckets, so I lean UNDER 237.5 (-110) for a quarter-unit
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Also see:
- Harden did something Saturday no NBA player ever has (Nets Wire)
- Hoops Hype Rumors: Bucks | Nets
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