Bucks vs Nets Betting Preview: New-Look Nets Host Giannis, Bucks

A Milwaukee Bucks vs Brooklyn Nets NBA showdown could loom in the Eastern Conference finals, with the chances of that outcome increasing significantly with the Nets’ trade for James Harden last week. A possible preview takes place tonight as Brooklyn hosts Milwaukee in prime time on TNT.

Harden’s debut with the Nets could not have gone any better, as he recorded a triple-double vs. Orlando on Saturday. Even with the long-awaited trade and Kyrie Irving potentially coming back into the fold, NBA betting odds slightly favor the Bucks tonight.

Will the Nets win again with their shiny new Harden, or will the Bucks deliver a statement that it’s too soon for the Nets to surpass them in NBA futures odds?

Milwaukee Bucks vs Brooklyn Nets Betting Odds & Information

• Matchup: Milwaukee Bucks (9-4, 1st in Central Division) vs Brooklyn Nets (8-6, 3rd in Atlantic Division)
• Date: Monday, January 18, 2021
• Time: 7:30 pm ET
• Location: Brooklyn, New York (Barclays Center)
• TV: TNT
• Spread: Bucks -2 (-110) | Nets +2 (-110)
• Total: OVER 238.5 (-115) | UNDER 238.5 (-105)
• Moneyline: Bucks -126 | Nets +108

Odds via Fanduel as of Monday, January 18 (11:15 am ET)

Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview

The Bucks have found their groove after a so-so start. Milwaukee enters with a four-game win streak and a 7-1 SU mark in their last eight. Last time out, they sawed off Dallas 112-109 on Friday despite shooting 12 of 25 from the free throw line.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was the biggest culprit, going an unsightly 1 of 10. Giannis is shooting only 57.5 percent from the line this season, but he has been himself otherwise. The two-time defending MVP is averaging 29.6 points and is shooting 57 percent from the field in seven January games. He scored 31 on 14 of 21 shooting against the Mavs.

It’s not a one-man show, either. Khris Middleton (21.8 points per game, 6.5 rebounds per game, 5.7 assists per game) is shooting a blistering 46.8 percent from three, and if his current pace holds up, he will surpass his previous career-high averages in points, rebounds, and assists. Jrue Holiday (15.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.0 APG) has a lighter load than he did in New Orleans, but he has started well in Milwaukee.

Brooklyn Nets Betting Preview

Many NBA season previews placed lofty expectations on the Nets partly because of a possible Harden trade, and Saturday’s 122-115 win over the Magic gave a glimpse of their ceiling. Harden and Durant combined for 74 points, with Durant pouring in 42 to go with Harden’s 32-point, 12-rebound, 14-assist debut.

Of course, their full potential will not be unleashed until Irving’s return, which could happen tonight. How will the Harden, Irving, and Kevin Durant trio fare together? Nets fans will be hoping that Irving slots back in as easily as Harden slid into the lineup.

While the acquisition of Harden is major NBA news, Durant’s return from injury is equally notable. He is second in the league in scoring, and his exploits have seen the Nets through early struggles and Kyrie’s recent absence.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Brooklyn Nets Betting Breakdown

Milwaukee Bucks Stat Sheet

• Offense: 120.2 points per game (2nd in the NBA)
• Defense: 109.5 points per game (11th in the NBA)

Brooklyn Nets Stat Sheet

• Offense: 118.9 points per game (3rd in the NBA)
• Defense: 113.1 points per game (22nd in the NBA)

Top Trend

• Brooklyn’s home games have kept the scoreboard busy, and that will not slow down with Harden in and Kyrie back. The Nets are averaging 121.1 points at home and have hit the 120-point mark seven times in 10 home games.

Betting Advice for Bucks vs Nets

Best Bet: Brooklyn Nets team total over 118.5 (-112)

The Bucks are favored, but back the new-look Nets to win, with or without Irving. Back the OVER as well.

Tip: Brooklyn +2 & OVER 238.5