The 2021 NBA Playoffs bring more drama Thursday, June 17, as Brooklyn visits Milwaukee for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, so here’s the best Nets vs. Bucks betting pick along with the latest odds update on BetMGM Sportsbook.
The Nets are one step away from the conference finals following a 114-108 victory in Game 5 this past Tuesday. They upset the Bucks as slight home dogs, and the Nets opened as 5.5-point road underdogs for Thursday’s clash at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
Brooklyn hopes for another KD’s epic display
The Brooklyn Nets are blessed to have Kevin Durant on their team, as the two-time NBA Finals MVP has just become the first player with at least 45 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists in a playoff game. KD tortured the Bucks in Game 5, playing all 48 minutes and finishing with 49 points, 17 boards, 10 dimes, three steals, and a couple of blocks.
James Harden returned from a hamstring injury and spent 46 on the floor. However, he went 1-for-10 from the field, finishing with five points, six rebounds, and eight assists. Jeff Green was an X-factor in Game 5, delivering 27 points off the bench while making seven of his eight attempts from deep.
Kyrie Irving missed Tuesday’s clash at Barclays Center due to an ankle injury and will likely stay on the shelf for the remainder of the second-round series. At least, the Nets got Harden back which is a huge boost for their confidence.
Milwaukee blew a massive opportunity in Game 5
The Milwaukee Bucks had a 16-point lead at halftime this past Tuesday, but they’ve yielded a whopping 71 points since the break while scoring only 49 in a return. The Bucks handed out only 18 assists and just couldn’t get things going down the stretch, so they’ll play with their back against the wall in Game 6.
Milwaukee shot 49.4% from the field and 40.6% from beyond the 3-point line in Game 5, but the Bucks failed to cope with Kevin Durant. Giannis Antetokounmpo accounted for 34 points and 12 rebounds, while Khris Middleton added 25 points and five assists. However, they were quiet in the crunch time while KD was dominating the Bucks’ defense.
Milwaukee has allowed 96 points in Game 4 and only 83 in Game 3, so the Bucks hope they can deliver a solid defensive performance in front of the home fans. Through their nine outings this postseason, the Bucks have surrendered 102.8 points a night on 42.8% shooting from the field and 35.5% from downtown.
Trends:
Brooklyn:
- 13-2 ATS in the last 15 games overall
- 4-1 ATS in the last five games against Milwaukee
Milwaukee:
- 1-4 ATS in the last five games overall
Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks Pick:
I’ve got burned on my NBA pick of the Bucks in Game 5, and after watching them blowing a massive lead, I cannot back Giannis and his teammates once more. They had a huge chance, as Antetokounmpo and the Bucks continue to bottle things when it matters the most.
The Nets will certainly need another big game from Kevin Durant, but James Harden’s appearance might be a crucial factor. Also, the Nets will once again get plenty of open looks from downtown, so I hope they’ll keep it close, at least.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks Total:
After the first four games of this series all went in the under, the over finally hit in Game 5, and I’m sticking with the over on the totals in Game 6.
The Nets won’t win this one on the back of their defense. On the other side, the Bucks are aggressive on the defensive end, but they also love to push the ball in transition. Once more, I’m leaning on their pace along with the Nets’ 3-point shooting, as it paid off in the previous clash.