Milwaukee vs Brooklyn Prediction: Expecting a spectacular basketball game

The match-up between the Bucks and Nets is worthy of an Eastern Conference final, and the clash will be one of the highlights of another NBA game day. The bookmakers expect a spectacular basketball game, but there are reasons to disagree with them. 

Khris Middleton's injury was one of the main reasons Milwaukee left the playoffs last season, and the team is also starting this season without one of its stars. In addition to Middleton, Joe Ingles and Pat Connaughton are currently out, although the Bucks would not expect the Australian forward to return anytime soon. Now Giannis Adetokunbo has to work for himself, and that guy, the Bucks' success, is now largely dependent on the Greek superstar. Giannis is now the only Milwaukee basketball player averaging 15+ points, while Grayson Allen, Jrue Holiday, and Brook Lopez are shooting under 40% from the field. As for team stats, the Bucks are 2nd in the NBA in blocked shots, much to the credit of that same Lopez. The Bucks are also 5th in three-point shooting, with Brook contributing the most in 3.5 threes per game.

After a disappointing preseason, Mike Budenholzer's team won both regular season games. First, Milwaukee defeated Philadelphia, then defeated Houston by 20 points. Against the Rockets, Giannis Adetokunbo scored more than a third of his team points on 17 of 21 shots from the field. Serge Ibaka, Brook Lopez, George Hill, and Jrue Holiday contributed well from beyond the arc, leading the Bucks to more than half of their three-point shooting.

The Nets had a rough ride in the playoffs last year, and Brooklyn's troubles continue. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant are averaging 25+ points, but that's only enough for 1 win in 3 starts. The Nets' lack of sharpshooters has crept up unnoticed. Yes, there's Joe Harris and Patty Mills, but Harris is far from optimal. The return of Seth Curry should solve the problem, but for now, he is on the sideline along with Markieff Morris and T.J. Warren. Ben Simmons still records more rebounds and assists than points, resembling Draymond Green. Nicolas Claxton has been the most impressive of all, and he's largely responsible for Brooklyn leading the NBA in average blocked shots. In addition, Claxton is averaging 16 points and is the team's 3rd scorer.

Steve Nash's team lost on the road to Memphis in their last regular season game, 124-134. It didn't help that Durant and Irving played their best basketball, scoring 37 points each. Long-distance shots on the night fell short, with O'Neal and Harris in particular, while Mills was effective but barely noticeable. The defense failed to cope with Bane and Morant, and in the end, the Nets conceded a great deal from the paint. Brooklyn's third offensive option was again Claxton, who scored 16 points.

Brooklyn has conceded too much in 2 of 3 regular season games, but that doesn't negate the fact that the team is trying very hard on defense. Since Royce O'Neale arrived, the Nets' defensive efficiency has improved noticeably. Kevin Durant was the only viable defensive player in Brooklyn before he joined the Nets, and his star backup has come in handy. Milwaukee has problems offensively, with Middleton missing. Much will depend on their long-distance shooting percentage, and it is unlikely that their opponent will allow the Bucks to get comfortable. Our prediction for Milwaukee vs Brooklyn is as follows:

• Total Under 233.5 points for 1.76;
• Brooklyn handicap (+4.5) for 1.83;
• Brooklyn win including overtime for 2.30.