The NBA will be in a full swing on Friday, December 23, when we have 14 games on the schedule, including this intriguing conference clash in Brooklyn, and here you can read the best Bucks vs. Nets betting pick and odds.
Brooklyn is looking for the eighth consecutive victory when they host Milwaukee at Barclays Center. The Nets are 3-point favorites on BetRivers, while the total is set at 225 points. These conference rivals have faced once this season and the Bucks won that game 110-99 in Milwaukee.
Bucks didn’t have a chance against the Cavaliers
The Milwaukee Bucks (22-9, 17-12-2 ATS) opened their five-game road trip with a win over the New Orleans Pelicans, their second straight win. However, they were completely outplayed by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the next game and never were up since the opening minutes and a 7-5 lead. The hosts controlled the tilt; had a 24-point lead at one moment, and deservedly secured a 114-106 win. The Bucks were reckless with the ball in their hands – they committed even 21 turnovers opposite Cleveland’s ten.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with a double-double of 45 points and game-high 14 rebounds along with four assists and two blocks. Brook Lopez added 14 points, six boards, and two steals, while MarJon Beauchamp scored 11 points. Jrue Holiday flirted with his first triple-double since 2020 as he posted nine points, nine rebounds, and a game-high eight dimes with two thefts and two blocks.
SF Khris Middleton (knee) is doubtful for Friday’s game against the Nets.
Nets dismantled the Warriors in Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Nets (20-12, 14-16-2 ATS) are going through their best period of the season as they recorded seven wins in a row and now have 11 wins in 12 games. The Nets successfully completed a four-game road trip with four victories and then erupted offensively at home in a massive win over the Golden State Warriors.
Brooklyn scored a season-high 143 points in a 143-113 win, 91 of which dropped in the first half. The hosts shot 64.3% from the floor and made 21 triples opposite Golden State’s 12, while the Nets registered 42 assists. All of that without Kyrie Irving.
Kevin Durant led Brooklyn with 23 points, game-high seven rebounds, five assists, and game-high four steals. The Nets had even nine players in double figures. Edmond Sumner scored 16, Royce O’Neale added 14, while Ben Simmons had ten points, game-high eight dishes, and four boards.
PG Kyrie Irving (calf) isn’t on the injury report for Friday’s game against the Bucks and is probable to feature.
Trends:
Milwaukee:
1-4-1 ATS in the last six road games
1-3-1 ATS in the last five after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game
Brooklyn:
4-1 ATS in the last five games overall
4-1 ATS in the last five after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Brooklyn Nets Pick
Milwaukee has the fourth-best defense in the NBA that allows 108.9 points per game, but I don’t think they will be able to limit the Nets to below 115 here. Brooklyn is red-hot offensively as it scored 119+ in six of the last seven games, so the visitors will be under heavy fire on Friday, especially with Irving back on the floor.
The Nets’ offense is a bit better overall this season as they average 114.0 ppg, while Brooklyn is also better in offensive rating. Brooklyn scored only 99 in the previous H2H duel, and I expect the hosts to show a much better offensive display in this one.
Pick: Take the Nets at -2.5 (-120)
The Total
Considering I expect to see Brooklyn in a great offensive mood, I am going with a high-scoring affair because the Nets allowed 100+ points in each of their last 11 games. Milwaukee shouldn’t have problems scoring at least 110 here, and we can say that this tilt could go down to the wire with potential overtime on the cards. Over is 4-1 in the Bucks’ last five overall; Over is 6-1 in the Nets’ previous seven overall, while Over is 6-1 in Brooklyn’s last seven after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Pick: Go Over 223.5 points (-130)
