The Brooklyn Nets (2-0) will hit the road for their first away game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals as they take on the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Milwaukee Bucks (0-2). Tip time is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET with the event held at Fiserv Forum. Below, we analyze the Nets-Bucks odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
The Nets absolutely rolled the Bucks in Game 2, finishing the game up 39 while almost pushing the lead to 50 in the second half. It’s even more impressive knowing they were without James Harden and Jeff Green.
As for the Bucks, they’ll be hoping to get more from their two-time MVP while simultaneously needing All-Star-caliber weapons like Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton to step up. Holiday and Middleton have combined for 30 points in both games.
Nets at Bucks: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 9:23 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Nets +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Bucks -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Nets +3.5 (-115) | Bucks -3.5 (-105)
- Over/Under: 234.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Nets at Bucks: Key injuries
Nets
- SG James Harden (hamstring) out
- PF Jeff Green (foot) out
Bucks
- SG Donte DiVincenzo (ankle) out
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Nets at Bucks: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Nets 115, Bucks 110
Money line (ML)
“LEAN” Nets (+135) because betting against Kevin Durant playing elite basketball is not a smart move. While Giannis has proven his greatness before, he’s been the focal point of the Nets’ defense.
They’ve held Giannis to 26 points per game, but the Nets aren’t putting him on the line (10 free throws this series) nor letting him get overly involved in the offense (eight assists this series).
On top of the two-time MVP struggling, the Nets’ former MVP has been playing extremely well. Durant is 24-for-43 on the series. With the starters on both sides playing heavy minutes, betting on the Nets despite being on the road is still the smart move.
As underdogs, this is where the value is at.
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Against the spread (ATS)
“PASS” on both the Nets +3.5 or the Bucks -3.5. Each of these games has decided by more than four points, and I expect this one to be no different. If anything, continue to bet on the Nets here, assuming any loss is at least a competition.
Even Game 1 was far more distant than the eight-point final difference. The Bucks are unstable and shouldn’t be trusted while the Nets have proven to be dominant so far. The home court and sense of urgency could change that, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
Over/Under (O/U)
“BET” on the Under 234.5 (-110) because the Nets should cool down while the Bucks hopefully enhance their defensive aptitude.
Game 2’s 238.5 total didn’t even get close to hitting the Over as the Bucks only scored 86 points. The chance for a blowout and non-competitive fourth quarter is a huge risk when taking the Over.
The Bucks finished the regular season with a top-ten defensive rating. Giving up 115 or more points in both games to even a dynamic offensive juggernaut like the Nets is still unacceptable.
The Over hasn’t gotten particularly close in either outing so far, and there’s no reason to expect a massive onslaught of offensive firepower in Game 3. The Under has all the value as the Bucks defense should be able to find its footing.
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