NBA Odds: Nets vs. Bucks
Nets Odds | +3.5 |
Bucks Odds | -3.5 |
Over/Under | 230.5 |
Time | Channel | 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN |
The Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks headed into their Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup with a ton of hype. Many, including this writer, were thinking of it as the most anticipated series of the 2021 NBA postseason.
It's safe to say that while the series has certainly been entertaining, the Bucks' effort has been rather disappointing.
Milwaukee lost a close matchup in Game 1, but fell behind 36-19 after one quarter in Game 2. This was a major red flag, as you would expect a strong effort from the Bucks in the first quarter of Game 2 to set the tone, even more so coming off a loss.
Instead, the Bucks were dominated in a 36-point defeat that sends them back to Fiserv Forum in a 2-0 hole.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has shot 50% or better in both games against the Nets in this series, but he has yet to take more than 15 field-goal attempts in a game. The Bucks will need Antetokounmpo to be highly involved on the offensive end to have a chance to get back in this series.
Another huge issue for Milwaukee is the fact that guards Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday have been ineffective attacking mismatches.
With these players unable to take advantage of Brooklyn's "switch everything" defensive scheme, expect to see more pick-and-roll with Antetokounmpo as the roll man.
This is, of course, if Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer shakes his reputation of being extremely reluctant to make changes.
So what do the smartest NBA bettors think about tonight's Game 3 with Milwaukee back at home in essentially a "must-win" game?
According to our PRO betting tools, the answer is quite clear.