The Brooklyn Nets (0-2) welcome the Milwaukee Bucks (1-1) to Barclays Center Sunday. Tip is set for 6 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Bucks vs. Nets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Bucks went 3-0 last season
The Nets lost 120-116 at the Atlanta Hawks Wednesday as a 7.5-point underdog and then lost 116-101 at the Orlando Magic on Friday as an 11.5-point underdog. The Nets are led by G Cam Thomas, who is shooting 55.6% from the field and is averaging 30 points per Game (PPG). They are 1-1 against the spread (ATS) as the play their first hom Game of the season.
The Bucks have played 2 Games as well, splitting those despite closing as a favorite in each. They beat the Philadelphia 76ers 124-109 on the road to open the season and then lost 133-122 to the Chicago Bulls at home. The Bucks are led by F Giannis Antetokounmpo (31.5) and G Damian Lilliard (29.0 PPG).
Bucks at Nets odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 2:06 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Bucks -450 (bet $450 to win $100) | Nets +333 (bet $100 to win $333)
- Against the spread (ATS): Bucks -9.5 (-110) | Nets +9.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 230.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
Bucks at Nets key injuries
Bucks
- F Giannis Antetokounmpo (patella) probable
- G Khris Middleton (ankle) out
Nets
- F Bojan Bogdanovic (foot) out
- F Day’Ron Sharpe (hamstring) out
- F Trendon Watford (hamstring) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Bucks at Nets picks and predictions
Prediction
Bucks 121, Nets 113
Moneyline
PASS.
There’s no reason to look at the moneyline. With Antetokounmpo likely active, taking the Bucks is far too expensive while backing the Nets to pull off the upset also isn’t a smart play. Avoid this option.
Against the spread
BET NETS +9.5 (-110).
The Bucks were the fourth-worst road-covering team in the NBA last season, going just 17-26 ATS. While they did win and cover on the road in their lone away Game, that was against the 76ers, who were without C Joel Embiid, and they closed as a just a 4-point favorite, not almost a double-digit one. Milwaukee will be without its third-best scoring option in Middleton as well.
The Nets may have struggled against both the Hawks and Magic, but those were on the road. They were able to cover in 1 as well and should have a rocking home crowd to kick off the season. Expect Brooklyn to use that energy to keep things at least close so back NETS +9.5 (-110).
Over/Under
BET OVER 230.5 (-105).
Both teams have gone Over in both games they’ve played. The Nets soared over the 224 closing total in their first game (236 points scored). They are allowing 118 points per game and will be facing one of the NBA’s best offenses in Milwaukee.
The Bucks are averaging 123 points per game while allowing 121 per game. Milwaukee is 2-0 O/U and cleared both totals by at least 10 points. That said, back OVER 230.5 (-105) as both teams have capable scoring options and slacking defenses.
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