Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks Predictions, Odds, Picks

Oct. 19, 2021
Michael Crosson
VI Betting Expert
VegasInsider.com

Regular season NBA action is set to tipoff with a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference Finals – as Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets will visit Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night. Coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT.

Score Prediction

Bucks 119, Nets 114

Best Bets

Milwaukee +1.5

James Harden (BKN/SG) – Over 9.5 Assists (-105)

Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks Predictions

Despite knocking off Phoenix in just six games to claim the latest NBA title, the Bucks still seem to be slightly doubted by the oddsmakers as the new season approaches – considering Brooklyn (-125) currently stands as a generous favorite over Milwaukee (+425) to win this year’s Eastern Conference.

The Bucks displayed remarkable longevity and toughness throughout their impressive title run, which included a grueling seven-game semi-final victory over Brooklyn in the heart of it all – but is Milwaukee actually the top dog in the East?

The public doesn’t seem to think so, considering Tuesday’s Bucks-Nets game originally opened as a straight pick’em at most shops – but Brooklyn has slowly emerged as the favorite with tipoff growing closer.

The Nets are undeniably dangerous, even during the absence of a superstar, and they made that loud and clear throughout last year’s playoffs. Brooklyn appeared visibly distraught on offense following Kyrie Irving’s injury in Game 3 against Milwaukee though, and I believe that’s worth noting ahead of Wednesday night’s highly anticipated season-opener.

I’ll take the points with Milwaukee here, as the Bucks posted a 5-0 record at home against Brooklyn last year (reg. season & playoffs) – and I think they’ll keep that streak alive after raising their organization’s first championship banner since the 70’s on opening night.

Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Odds

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Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Resources

  • Matchup: Atlantic vs. Central
  • Date: Tuesday, October 19, 2021
  • Venue: Fiserv Forum
  • Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • TV-Time: TNT - 7:30 p.m. ET

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Brooklyn Nets Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

2020-21 Stats

  • SU: 55-29
  • ATS: 46-38
  • O/U: 44-39-1
  • ATS - Home: 25-18
  • ATS - Away: 21-20

Despite getting knocked off by Milwaukee in last year’s conference semi-final round, the Nets will open the new season as overwhelming favorites to represent the East in this year’s NBA Finals – as Brooklyn currently sits at -125 to win the conference to Milwaukee’s +425.

Regardless of what happens on opening night though, I doubt much fluctuation will occur among the favorites in the East, considering the numbers are seemingly based on all squads at full-strength – and that won’t be the case here on Tuesday night, as one-third of Brooklyn’s superstar trio is still holding out for personal reasons.

The Nets likely still stand as the best team in the East when fully healthy – maybe even the best in the league. Last year’s conference semi-final loss to Milwaukee served as a prime example of what happens when Brooklyn loses a crucial piece to its puzzle though.

Milwaukee Bucks Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

2020-21 Stats

  • SU: 62-33
  • ATS: 46-49
  • O/U: 50-43-2
  • ATS - Home: 26-21
  • ATS - Away: 20-28

While I somewhat doubt the Bucks will actually end up winning the conference again this year – I do think Milwaukee still stands as the “best bet” to represent the East based on their current odds.

Other than maybe the Sixers or Heat, the Bucks appear to be the only eastern team that legitimately stands a chance against a full-strength Brooklyn squad in a playoff series.

Ultimately, I expect the Bucks to fall just short this time around – but regardless, backing Milwaukee at 4-to-1 odds to win the conference should feel like a solid bet for most of the year.


The Milwaukee Bucks begin their journey to defending the NBA Championship with a home opening game against the Nets. (AP)

Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks Head-to-Head

The Bucks advanced in thrilling overtime fashion (W, 115-111 OT) – but that’s just one of the many home victories Milwaukee earned against Brooklyn last season, as that stood as Antetokounmpo and company’s fifth straight victory at home over the Nets.

Key Players to Watch

2020-21 Stats

  • BKN: Kevin Durant - PF (26.9 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 5.6 apg)
  • BKN: James Harden - SG (24.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 10.8 apg)
  • MIL: Giannis Antetokounmpo - PF (28.1 ppg, 11 rpg, 5.9 apg)
  • MIL: Khris Middleton - SF (20.4 ppg, 6 rpg, 5.4 apg)

Injuries

  • BKN: Kyrie Irving - PG (Out)
  • MIL: Bobby Portis - C (Out)
  • MIL: Semi Ojeleye - PF (Out)
  • MIL: Rodney Hood - SG (Out)

Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Conclusion

After narrowly topping Brooklyn in last year’s Eastern Conference semis’, the Bucks will tip off the new season as narrow underdogs against the visiting Nets on Tuesday night – which in my opinion, is a tough scene immediately following the defending champs’ ring ceremony.

I’ll take the points with Milwaukee here, as the Nets currently seem far too dysfunctional to back against a powerhouse like the Bucks on opening night – but despite all their issues, I still expect Brooklyn’s offense to run smoothly against Milwaukee, which is why I’m also taking James Harden’s assists over in Tuesday’s contest.

Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Trends

  • Brooklyn has lost seven of its last eight season opening games.
  • The home team has covered the spread in eight of the last 10 games played between both teams.
  • James Harden has seen a Triple-Double in 19 of his last 21 road games.
  • Milwaukee has gone OVER the point total in six straight home opening games.