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Milwaukee Bucks vs Brooklyn Nets January 2nd 2025
At 8:00 ET, the Brooklyn Nets (12-21) will take on the Milwaukee Bucks (17-14) at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. The Bucks are favored by 14 points, and the over/under line is set at 219.5.
This Eastern Conference matchup can be seen on YES.
Your Next Big Win Starts With Our Expert Betting Guide!
Nets vs. Bucks Key Information
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Brooklyn Nets at Milwaukee Bucks
- Where: Milwaukee at Fiserv Forum
- Date: Thursday, January 2nd
- Betting Odds MIL -14, BKN +608 | MIL -925 O/U 219.5
The Nets Can Win If…
The Nets fell to 12-21 on the season after a 130-113 loss to the Raptors on Wednesday. Brooklyn, who entered the game as +1 point underdogs, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The total score of 243 points exceeded the O/U line of 218.5 by 24.5 points.
Brooklyn started strong, leading 33-26 after the 1st quarter, but the Raptors outscored them 39-31 in the 2nd. Heading into the 4th quarter, the Nets were down just 94-91, but a 10-0 run by Toronto extended the lead from 111-99 to 121-99, sealing the game.
In their 130-113 loss to the Raptors, the Nets shot 48.3% from the field, but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 29.7% with 11 made threes. Cameron Johnson led the way with 24 points, connecting on 3 threes at a 60% clip.
D’Angelo Russell added 22 points and 8 assists, shooting 69.2% from the floor. Keon Johnson contributed 17 points, though he hit just 25% from deep, making 3 threes.
The Nets struggled defensively against the Raptors, giving up 130 points on 59% shooting. Their toughest stretch came in the 2nd quarter, where they allowed 39 points. Brooklyn also had a rough 4th quarter, conceding 36 points.
From beyond the arc, the Raptors hit 16 threes at a 50% clip. The Nets sent Toronto to the line 13 times, where they made 10 free throws. Brooklyn finished with 28 defensive rebounds, 8 steals, and 2 blocks.
- When looking at their past three road matchups, Brooklyn has an ATS record of 2-1 while averaging 108 per game. The team went 1-2 overall in these games.
- Looking back on the team’s last ten games as the underdog, the Nets have a straight up record of 3-7. Their record vs the spread in these games was 5-5.
- Over their last three games, the Nets have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.
The Bucks Can Win If…
The Bucks improved to 17-14 on the season with a 120-112 win over the Pacers on Tuesday. Milwaukee, favored by two points, covered the spread with the eight-point victory. The total score of 232 points narrowly exceeded the over/under line of 230.
Milwaukee went on a decisive 12-0 run to stretch their lead from 83-66 to 95-66, helping them pull away for the win. After trailing 91-88 going into the 4th quarter, the Bucks outscored the Pacers 32-21 in the final period.
Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered 13 points in both the 3rd and 4th quarters, finishing with 30 points and 12 rebounds in the Bucks’ win over the Pacers. Brook Lopez added 16 points, while Khris Middleton contributed 15 points and 7 assists, scoring 8 points in the 2nd quarter.
Gary Trent and Bobby Portis each chipped in 14 points, with Trent scoring 8 in the 1st quarter. The Bucks shot 46.4% from the field and made 12 threes at a 36.4% rate.
After giving up 36 points in the 2nd quarter, the Bucks tightened up defensively in the 2nd half, allowing just 48 points in the 3rd and 4th quarters combined to secure a 120-112 win over the Pacers. Milwaukee held Indiana to 44% shooting from the field.
The Bucks limited the Pacers to 13 made threes on 35% shooting from beyond the arc. Milwaukee also sent Indiana to the free-throw line 30 times, where they made 19. The Bucks finished with 10 steals in the game.
- Across their five previous home games, Milwaukee has an ATS mark of 2-3. Their straight up record in these matchups was 3-2 while averaging 112 points per game.
- The last ten games that Milwaukee was favored, they have an ATS mark of 4-6 while going 7-3 straight up.
- In their last three games, the Bucks have an over/under record of 1-2 and are 2-1 vs. the spread.
The Lean
We’re calling a win for the Bucks, with a final score of 142-95, and we’re taking them to cover the spread. Our recommendation is to bet on the Bucks at -14.
As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 219.5 and our model has the Nets and Bucks finishing with a combined 237 points. Our pick is to take the over.
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Bucks’ Big 3 Ready to Shine Against Struggling Nets
The Milwaukee Bucks aim to build momentum with their star trio of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Damian Lillard when they host the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night. For the Bucks, it’s an opportunity to strengthen their chemistry and extend their winning ways. For the Nets, it’s a chance to break free from a three-game skid and regain some footing.
Bucks: Big 3 Finding Rhythm
The Bucks (23-12) have been dominant when Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Lillard share the court, boasting a 4-1 record in those games. Tuesday’s 120-112 comeback win over the Indiana Pacers showcased their potential, with Antetokounmpo delivering a 30-point, 12-rebound double-double in his return after missing four games.
Lillard and Middleton have been crucial as well. Middleton is averaging 18.3 points, 5.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds over his past six games, showing flashes of his All-Star form. Lillard’s playmaking and shot-making add another dynamic to Milwaukee’s offense.
Bobby Portis Jr. and Brook Lopez have provided consistent support. Portis tallied 14 points and 15 rebounds against Indiana, while Lopez chipped in 16 points.
Portis believes the Pacers win is a sign of things to come: “It was a great game for us, especially going forward. We do it one time, we can do it again and just keep building.”
Nets: Rebuilding Chemistry
Brooklyn (13-21) has hit a rough patch, losing three straight and 11 of their past 14 games. However, the addition of D’Angelo Russell could provide a spark. The newly acquired guard made an immediate impact in Wednesday’s 130-113 loss to the Toronto Raptors, scoring 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting and dishing out eight assists.
Russell’s return to Brooklyn, where he played from 2017-19, brings a level of familiarity and excitement to a team searching for answers.
“It’s a good feeling, honestly,” Russell said of his Brooklyn return. “Somewhere you’re comfortable, somewhere you kind of know the ins and outs a little bit.”
While Russell shined, Brooklyn struggled defensively against Toronto, allowing the Raptors to break their 11-game losing streak. Coach Jordi Fernandez praised Russell’s performance but acknowledged the need for more consistency, especially with Noah Clowney’s status uncertain after a lower back injury.
Previous Matchups
This is the final game of the season series, with Brooklyn leading 2-1. The Nets earned a 111-105 win on Dec. 26 despite the Bucks missing both Antetokounmpo and Lillard. Cam Johnson led Brooklyn in that contest with 29 points, but Milwaukee’s full-strength lineup on Thursday poses a much tougher challenge.
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What to Watch For
- Bucks’ Offense: Can Milwaukee’s Big 3 exploit Brooklyn’s porous defense, which has struggled to contain top-tier offenses?
- Russell’s Impact: Will Russell build on his strong debut and elevate the Nets’ play, especially in critical moments?
- Giannis Factor: Antetokounmpo’s presence creates matchup nightmares. How will Brooklyn try to slow him down after his dominant return?
Prediction
The Bucks, rejuvenated with their stars healthy, have the depth and firepower to overwhelm the struggling Nets. While Russell’s addition gives Brooklyn a boost, Milwaukee’s form at home and the return of Giannis make them clear favorites.
