The Milwaukee Bucks (37-6) look to lengthen their five-game winning streak against the Brooklyn Nets (18-22) at Barclays Center. The game can be seen on NBATV at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
Milwaukee is an 8.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 232 points.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Brooklyn Nets Betting Prediction
The last time the Bucks played, they topped the Boston Celtics, 128-123, but they failed to cover as 11-point favorites. The game’s total points (251) finished well over the projected point total of 228. Getting to the free throw line was one of Milwaukee’s biggest strengths. They had 37 free throw attempts, 10 more than Boston. Milwaukee received a boost from Khris Middleton, who was the team’s leading scorer with 23 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
The Nets lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in their last outing, 117-106. They were unable to cover as 7-point underdogs. The game’s combined points (223) came in just over the O/U total of 221.5. Philadelphia’s 28.3 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Brooklyn, who had a rate of 23.4. The 76ers’ mark was above their season average of 24.0. Brooklyn’s Spencer Dinwiddie had a solid game, leading the team in scoring with 26 points on 8-for-16 shooting.
After the Bucks won three out of four meetings against the Nets last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Brooklyn won 133-128. The Nets had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (24.5 vs. 16.2) and had a better turnover percentage (8.5 vs. 12.6).
Milwaukee holds records of 37-6 straight up (SU) and 24-19 against the spread (ATS). Of the Bucks’ 43 games, 22 have finished over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn is 18-22 SU and 18-21-1 ATS. Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Nets games, with 19 overs compared to 19 unders.
The ineffective offense of Brooklyn (24th in the NBA with an offensive efficiency of 104.0) will clash against the stingy defense of Milwaukee (first in the league with a defensive efficiency of 100.3). The Bucks figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball.
Milwaukee Bucks at Brooklyn Nets Betting Pick
NBA Prediction: ATS Winner – Bucks, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
On the road, Milwaukee is 12-9 ATS with 11 overs and 10 unders.
Brooklyn is 11-9 ATS at home with 10 unders, 9 overs and 1 push.
Milwaukee is 9-0 when they allow less than 100 points, while Brooklyn is 4-1.
When reaching the century mark, the Bucks are 37-6 and the Nets are 18-17.
Milwaukee averages 6.3 blocks per game, which ranks second in the league. Brooklyn ranks 25th in blocks allowed per game (5.5).
The Bucks average 51.7 rebounds per game, which ranks first in the league. The Nets rank 24th in rebounds allowed per game (46.8).
Brooklyn averages 36.9 three pointers per game, which ranks sixth in the league. Milwaukee ranks 28th in three pointers allowed per game (38.5).
The Bucks rank first in second chance points allowed per game (10.9) while the Nets rank 20th (13.3).
Milwaukee ranks first in fast break points per game (19.1) while Brooklyn ranks 16th (12.8).
The Nets rank second in assists allowed per game (21.4) while the Bucks rank 14th (23.8).
Milwaukee ranks 16th in steals per game (7.7) while Brooklyn ranks 27th (6.6).
The Bucks rank 12th in points off turnovers per game (17.3) while the Nets rank 22nd in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.8).
Milwaukee ranks first in points allowed in the paint per game (38.4) while Brooklyn ranks ninth (46.0).
In its last five outings, Milwaukee is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Brooklyn is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Bucks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.4, up from 12.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Nets have scored an average of 108.2 points per game (1.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 109.0 points per game (2.4 below their season average).
