Warriors vs. Nets NBA Picks: How to Bet Golden State’s Visit to Brooklyn (Archive)
The eyes of the NBA world will be focused on Brooklyn on Tuesday night when the Golden State Warriors (11-2) travel to take on the Brooklyn Nets (10-4).
This could be an NBA Finals preview. Looking at one of the most anticipated games of the season? Which team should you bet on to make a winning NBA pick? Let’s take a look at the NBA odds and decide which way to lean at the top betting sites.
Golden State Warriors vs. Brooklyn Nets
Tuesday, November 16, 2021 – 07:30 PM EST at Barclay Center
Golden State Warriors
The team that proclaimed itself “light-years" ahead of everyone else is back to its winning ways. The Warriors are 11-2 this season. They are 3-1 on the road. They are coming off a Sunday afternoon loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
The Warriors have an amazing 13.3 differential so far this season. They’re averaging the most points in the league per game this season at 115.1. They are third in points allowed at 101.8. The Warriors are second in rebounds per game at 48.2. They are 1st in assists and steals at 29.5 and 10.7 respectively. These impressive statistics show us one thing...the Warriors are back!
Of course, the Warriors are led by Steph Curry but their resurgence is due to the development of role players such as Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins, and Damion Lee. Otto Porter Jr. fits this team much better than last year’s 3&D defender Kelly Oubre. Gary Payton II has provided the Warriors and their fans with tons of excitement with his incredible athletic ability.
The Warriors are in a great place right now and are still waiting upon the return of Klay Thompson. This team looks to be a title contender. They will definitely be up to play a team that they could meet in the NBA Finals, the Brooklyn Nets.
Brooklyn Nets
Kevin Durant faces off against his old team with his new squad. When Durant was on the Warriors, they consistently beat James Harden and the Houston Rockets. Now Durant and Harden team up to take on Durant’s old teammates.
Normally the media hype around certain matchups is overdone, but in this case, I think it is warranted. Kevin Durant left a secure spot in Golden State, where they could have competed for championships year after year, to try and win on his own as the unquestioned team leader in Brooklyn. Durant will be eager to show that he can do it on his own while Curry & Company will be eager to show Durant that he made the wrong choice.
Durand is already in MVP form, but the Nets’ resurgence has come on the back of James Harden. Harden was instructed to not spend too much time playing basketball this off-season so he would come into the year fresh. Harden looked like he hadn’t done much in the way of offseason workouts and is now playing himself into shape. As the weeks go by, Harden looks fresher, with more bursts and better conditioning. As Harden incrementally returns to his elite form, this Brooklyn team becomes more and more dangerous.
Patty Mills is proving to be an excellent addition for the Nets and is averaging 10 points in just 25 minutes per game. Mills provides key veteran leadership off the bench and helps keep the team playing at a proper pace when Durant and Harden are resting. The addition of Mills has helped the Nets overcome the absence of Kyrie Irving.
Key Matchup: Andrew Wiggins vs. Kevin Durant
Wiggins was inadvertently acquired for Durant. The Warriors traded Durant for D’Angelo Russell. They then turned around and flipped Russell to the Timberwolves for Andrew Wiggins and a draft pick.
Wiggins has shown to be an excellent defender this year, and he will be faced with the tall task of covering the best scorer in the league. While Durant has the height advantage, Wiggins is quick and strong, and he can keep himself in front of Durant to contest a lot of Durant’s shots.
If Wiggins is able to slow Durant down and force the Nets to run the offense through Harden, the Warriors will have a great chance to win. If Durant is able to score with ease over Wiggins, the Nets could race to victory.
Best Bet
I like the Brooklyn Nets at home to get the victory. This will be a game where Kevin Durant will be completely motivated. Andrew Wiggins is a good defender, but he will definitely have a hard time trying to check Durant. While both teams will be up for this game, I believe Brooklyn gets the job done in the end, making them my NBA pick.
NBA Pick: Brooklyn Nets -2.5 at (-108) with Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports 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.