Brooklyn Nets vs Milwaukee Bucks Predictions, Odds, Picks

• The Brooklyn Nets enter the season shorthanded with Kyrie Irving unavailable for opening night.
• The reigning NBA Champion Milwaukee Bucks look to start off their defense with a victory!
• It’s a pick ’em kind of matchup on opening night!

Brooklyn Nets vs Milwaukee Bucks Odds

Odds provided by Caesars Sportsbook.

The Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks are going to be two of the strongest teams in the NBA. Without Kyrie Irving, the Nets are down a man but certainly not underpowered. Milwaukee on the other hand will look to their depth to establish new leaders after some key departures.

Picks:

Brooklyn Nets def. Milwaukee Bucks (-110)

Over 238.0 (-110)

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Head-to-Head: Brooklyn Nets vs Milwaukee Bucks

BKN: Bet On Who Is Here

Kyrie Irving has proven to be a distraction from the basketball ambitions of the Brooklyn Nets. However, they shouldn’t let Irving distract them, as they have a roster bursting with talent regardless of his participation.

James Harden will take command of playmaking duties while Kevin Durant will happily return to his role as a primary scorer. While new veteran role players like Paul Millsap will add to their stability, Australian guard Patty Mills is sure to fulfil your three-point prop dreams.

Outside of Antetokounmpo, you’d be hard-pressed to call any of the Bucks players stellar individually. But their team defence is difficult to break. A rematch of their 2021 Playoff Series, Brooklyn is eager to show that it’s their turn to win the Eastern Conference crown.

Nets Key Player: (G) James Harden

? James Harden dished out 14 assists in the @BrooklynNets W! #NBAPreseason pic.twitter.com/qGQ65X8tn8

— NBA (@NBA) October 15, 2021

It’s easy to look at the troubles of Brooklyn and forget about their quality. Former Most Valuable Player James Harden no longer needs to take a back seat and will take full control of the Nets offence.

Harden made sacrifices last season and still put up averages of 24.6 points, 10.9 assists, and 8.5 rebounds on 47.1% shooting from the field. Surrounded by shooters and finishers, expect Harden to carve up the defence.

Expect the 12-year NBA veteran to be one of the most productive players in the league. Points, assists, rebounds, anything that occurs on the court Harden will be a part of. How well his teammates reward his playmaking will determine the Nets’ success.

MIL: Take Advantage of the Space

The Milwaukee Bucks may have lost some key members from their championship run, but that doesn’t mean that they’re disadvantaged. Giannis Antetokounmpo still runs the show, and he’s never been surrounded by more shooters.

Despite having one of the highest three-point shooting rates in the NBA, the Bucks have been rather average at converting on them – ranking 15th and 18th in Budenholzer’s first two seasons.

With the additions of George Hill and Grayson Allen, the Bucks acquired two of the most efficient sharpshooters in the NBA. Should they get their three-point rhythm early, the Bucks’ offence can go toe-to-toe with Brooklyn’s.

Bucks Key Player: (G) Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday ➡️ Giannis Antetokounmpo = ✈️??#NBA75 | #Bucks

Via (@bucks) pic.twitter.com/m2ITN6A7gZ

— Game Time Brasil (@GameTime_BR) October 14, 2021

Crucial to the success of the Milwaukee Bucks, the acquisition of Jrue Holiday is what spurred them to a championship. Now leading their title defence, Holiday’s productivity from the point of attack will be crucial.

Holiday is an all-around point guard who is just as capable on the ball as he is off the ball. He shines on the defensive side, averaging 1.5 steals per game over the course of his career.

His threat from every area is what makes him special, but if he can’t find his scoring touch early the Bucks could struggle. A better than average three-point shooter, he needs to reward Antetokounmpo’s creation with baskets.

How to Watch Brooklyn Nets vs Milwaukee Bucks