Bucks vs. Nets NBA Odds, Preview and Pick (Archive)
The Milwaukee Bucks travel to Brooklyn to take on the Nets in a high-profile Eastern Conference showdown. These two teams are the favorites to win the East by NBA odds. When they meet tonight, who will be the winning NBA pick?
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Brooklyn Nets
Thursday, March 31, 2022 – 07:30 PM EDT at Barclays Center
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks continue their road trip against potential playoff opponents when they meet the Brooklyn Nets tonight. Milwaukee is coming off a statement victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia. It was a hard-fought battle but the Milwaukee Bucks prevailed 118–116.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 40 points, but most importantly, Giannis made his impact on the defensive end. Antetokounmpo made a block of Joel Embiid with the game on the line in the final seconds to secure the victory.
Join Now: $1,000 BMR 12-Week All Sports Challenge
After the high-profile win, the Bucks’ path gets no easier tonight when they face the Brooklyn Nets. The Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks played a seven-game playoff series last season, with game 7 going into overtime to decide who would come out of the Eastern Conference.
The Bucks were able to prevail, but regardless of the standings, many see the Brooklyn Nets as Milwaukee's biggest threat. The Bucks get a chance to make another statement tonight against Kevin Durant and the Nets.
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets received good news when the vaccine mandates were lifted and Kyrie Irving is now allowed to play in home games. So far the Nets have had mixed results with Irving playing at home.
In his Barclays Center season debut, Kyrie Irving had a rough game going 6-22 from the field. He got his teammates involved when he realized his shot wasn't falling and dropped 11 assists. But it was not enough as the Nets fell to the Charlotte Hornets that evening 119-110.
The Nets were able to get a victory in their second game with Irving playing at the Barclays Center. But it was not an inspiring victory. They beat the lowly Detroit Pistons and failed to cover the NBA odds in that game.
Get Involved: NBA Basketball Betting Forum
The Nets are currently in eighth place at 40-36 on the year. They are one game ahead of the Charlotte Hornets and two and a half games behind the slumping Cleveland Cavaliers.
Having the 8th seed is so much more important than the ninth seed because in the 8th seed you get two chances to advance, while in 9 you can lose once and be eliminated from the playoffs. The Nets have plenty of incentive to finish the season strong to avoid that precarious position.
Nets' Key to Success
The Nets know that they can count on their star players to come through, but two important additions, Seth Curry and Andre Drummond will be the key to their success in this NBA game and this postseason. Seth Curry has taken the injured Joe Harris’ spot as the three-point marksman.
In 15 games with the Nets, Curry is shooting an amazing 48.5% from 3. Andre Drummond gives the Nets rim protection and rebounding that the team lacked last season. Andre Drummond is averaging an impressive 9.8 rebounds in just 22 minutes per game.
While the Nets get acclaim for their two amazing stars, these two role players will likely determine their ability to win this game and also advance in the playoffs.
Key Matchup
Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Kevin Durant
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the most dominant player in the NBA for the last three years. Kevin Durant has been the most clutch player in the last three years. These two had an epic showdown in their playoff series last season.
The next chapter will be written tonight. Both players will probably not guard each other for the first three quarters, but with the game on the line, both men will want the assignment of guarding the other team's best weapon.
If Giannis Antetokounmpo is able to have a big night even against the stellar defense of Kevin Durant with the game on the line, the Bucks have a great chance to get another win. If Kevin Durant is able to get buckets against even the elite defense of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Nets will be the victors tonight.
Best Bet
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are coming off a big win. The Nets will be keyed up for this game to make a statement. The Nets match up particularly well with the Bucks, especially Kevin Durant, who should have another big game against Milwaukee.
The Bucks are due for a slight letdown after their big win in Philadelphia. The home-court advantage should definitely be in play here with the Bucks having to travel after an emotional win, while the Nets had a casual home victory over the Pistons.
This will be a win that gets the intrigue in the East buzzing again and will justify the Nets being so respected by NBA odds. Today’s best bet is the Brooklyn Nets -1.5.
NBA Pick: Brooklyn Nets -1.5 (-110) with Bovada (visit our Bovada Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.