NBA Pick: Brooklyn Nets at Milwaukee Bucks
Nets and Bucks Both Searching for Consistency
Tonight at 8:05 p.m. E.T. the Brooklyn Nets (18-30 Overall, 8-15 Away) play the Milwaukee Bucks (24-22 Overall, 15-9 Home) at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Nets are 13th in the Eastern Conference, while the Bucks sit in eighth place. Brooklyn is in last place in the Atlantic Division and 16.5 games away from the first-place Celtics. Milwaukee is positioned third in the NBA Central and a mere three games away from the top team, the Cavaliers. Our Brooklyn plays Milwaukee 2018 NBA pick offers the Bucks at -5.5 and the over/under at between 212.5.
Recent History
The Nets have lost seven of their last 10 games and are 2-3 for their last five. They last played on Jan. 23 when they lost a close one to Oklahoma City 109-108. Prior to that, they notched two wins with one coming on Jan. 19th at home versus Miami (101-95) and the other away at Detroit (101-100) on Jan 23. This is their third-straight road contest.
Milwaukee has won four of its last 10 games and is also 2-3 for its last five. Their last game, which was a 109-105 home win against Phoenix, was on Jan. 22. Prior to that win, they had lost two games, with the first loss being at home against the Heat (106-101) on Jan. 17 and the other loss being away on Jan. 20 as Philadelphia beat them 116-94.
Matchup
These two teams match up fairly evenly in many basic statistical areas, including PGG with the Nets putting in on average 105.7 and the Bucks 104.8 and PA with Milwaukee allowing 106.1 and Brooklyn 108.6. The Bucks are better statistically from the field with a 47.9 FG%, while Brooklyn is putting in 43.7%. The teams are fairly even on threes and frees. Brooklyn is taking down 45.6 RPG, while Milwaukee is grabbing 38.4 RPG.
Players to Watch
The Nets have their injury issues. There is some good news as PG D’Angelo Russell has been back for the past few games. But his minutes have been limited to about 12 per game. He’s a 44% shooter from the field who’s capable of 19 to 20 PPG and five to seven APG. The Nets tend to use quite a few players and will substitute freely. SFs Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and DeMarre Carroll will both see a lot of minutes. Each offer solid rebounding chops and double-digit scoring to the tune of about 14 PPG.
The good news for the Bucks is that PF Giannis Antetokounmpo has been cleared to play after missing a few games due to injury. He’s leading the team in scoring (28.2 PPG), rebounding (10.1 RPG), and assists (4.6 APG). He’s shooting 55% from the floor. SF Khris Middleton and newly acquired PG Eric Bledsoe both come into this game averaging 4.3 APG, while Middleton is scoring 20.4 PPG and Bledsoe 17.6 PPG. For the Bucks to win, this trio needs to score and move the ball tonight. PG Malcolm Brogdon, who has a keen eye and is averaging 13.7 PPG, will need to score also.
Brooklyn Plays Milwaukee 2018 NBA Pick
We’re thinking that this game will end up going under due to injuries, fatigue and a few other factors. When it comes to the spread our Brooklyn plays Milwaukee 2018 NBA pick is the Nets at +5.5. We think this will be a fairly close game.
Summary Nets at Bucks Picks- Nets at +5.5 and under 212.5
