The Brooklyn Nets (12-21) travel to face off against the Milwaukee Bucks (17-14) on Thursday, January 2nd. This game will be played at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee and televised on YES. The Bucks are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Nets are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Nets. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.
Nets vs Bucks
The Nets Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
The Nets fell to 12-21 on the season after a 130-113 road loss to the Raptors on Wednesday. Brooklyn entered the game as +1 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 243, significantly exceeding the pre-game O/U line of 218.5.
Brooklyn led 33-26 after the 1st quarter, but Toronto took control by outscoring the Nets 39-31 in the 2nd quarter. Heading into the 4th quarter, the Nets trailed 94-91, but the Raptors went on a 10-0 run, extending their lead from 111-99 to 121-99, and outscored Brooklyn 36-22 in the final period.
The Bucks Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
The Bucks improved to 17-14 this season with a 120-112 win over the Pacers on Tuesday. Milwaukee, favored by 2 points, covered the spread with the 8-point victory. The game’s total points of 232 narrowly went over the line of 230.
Milwaukee’s 12-0 run was key, as they stretched the score from 83-66 to 95-66. After trailing 91-88 going into the 4th quarter, the Bucks closed out strong, outscoring the Pacers 32-21 in the final period.
Nets Offense Breakdown
In their loss to the Raptors, the Nets shot 48.3% from the field but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 29.7% of their threes, with 11 makes overall. Cameron Johnson led the way with 24 points, knocking down 3 threes at a 60% clip.
D’Angelo Russell added 22 points and 8 assists, shooting 69.2% from the floor. Keon Johnson contributed 17 points, though he connected on just 25% of his threes, making 3 in total.
Bucks Offense Breakdown
Giannis Antetokounmpo powered the Bucks to a win over the Pacers, finishing with 30 points and 12 rebounds, including 13 points in both the 3rd and 4th quarters. Brook Lopez contributed 16 points, while Khris Middleton added 15 despite shooting just 36.4% from the field.
Milwaukee shot 46.4% overall, making 12 threes at a 36.4% clip. Gary Trent and Bobby Portis each scored 14 points, with Trent adding 8 in the 1st quarter and 6 more in the 4th.
Nets Team Defense
The Nets struggled defensively against the Raptors, giving up 130 points on 59% shooting. Their toughest stretch came in the 2nd quarter, where they allowed 39 points. Brooklyn also had trouble in the 4th, surrendering 36 points.
From beyond the arc, the Raptors hit 16 threes at a 50% clip. The Nets sent Toronto to the line 13 times, where they made 10 free throws. Brooklyn finished with 28 defensive rebounds, allowed 8 offensive boards, and recorded 8 steals.
Bucks Team Defense
The Nets struggled defensively against the Raptors, giving up 130 points on 59% shooting. Their toughest stretch came in the 2nd quarter, where they allowed 39 points. Brooklyn also had a rough 4th quarter, giving up 36 points.
From beyond the arc, the Raptors hit 16 threes at a 50% clip. The Nets sent Toronto to the line 13 times, where they made 10 free throws. Brooklyn recorded 8 steals and 2 blocks in the game.
Nets vs Bucks Trends
- Across their last five road contests, Brooklyn has a 3-2 record vs the spread. Their overall mark in these games was 2-3, while averaging 104 points per game.
- Across their five previous home games, Milwaukee has an ATS mark of 2-3. Their straight up record in these matchups was 3-2 while averaging 112 points per game.
- In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Nets have a straight up record of 1-4 and an ATS mark of 2-3.
- As the betting favorite, the Bucks have an ATS mark of just 1-2 in their last three games. Milwaukee posted a straight up mark of 1-2 in these matchups.
Nets vs Bucks Prediction
We’re putting our money on the Bucks to win, and have the projected score sitting at 142-95. We also like them to cover the spread, so our recommendation is to bet on the Bucks at -14.
As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 219.5 and our model has the Nets and Bucks finishing with a combined 237 points. Our pick is to take the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:January 2, 2025 Bucks, Nets