It’s the best in the East against the hottest in the East when the conference-leading Bucks head over to play the streaking Nets who look to make it eight straight wins.
Brooklyn’s got to 20-12 on the season and now 2.5 games behind the Bucks, who have a small lead in the conference at 22-9.
Milwaukee’s won seven of their last 10 heading into Friday but are coming off a 114-106 defeat at Cleveland. Brooklyn’s last outing was a 30-point win over Golden State, easily their largest win of this current streak.
Tip-off at Barclays Center starts at 7:30 p.m. EST, with Brooklyn and 2.5-point favourite and the over-under at 225 on the NBA odds.
Bucks vs. Nets NBA Betting Odds
The Bucks enter Friday having both covered and won in six of their last seven meetings with the Nets. Milwaukee’s also came out with a dub in 11 of their last 15 trips to Brooklyn, and took their only meeting this season so far — a 110-99 win back on October 26 in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee hasn’t had the easiest time on the road this season, going just 8-6 away from home. The Nets are pretty solid on home court too with wins in 11 of their 16 home games. The under is the trend with both clubs too, as 10 of Milwaukee’s 14 road games have gone under the total and the same goes for nine of Brooklyn’s 16 home games.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks put themselves in a hole early at Cleveland Wednesday, and a 45-point effort from Giannis Antetokounmpo wasn’t enough to come back as the Bucks picked up their ninth loss this year. Antetokounmpo’s scored over 40 in back-to-back outings and is third in NBA with 31.6 points per game. With 14 rebounds Antetokounmpo also picked up his 18th double-double of the season, tied for the third-most in the league.
The Bucks are coming off back-to-back games in which they’ve allowed at least 114 points, which is uncharacteristic for them as a top-four club in points allowed with 108.9. Milwaukee did a good job defending Cleveland, but it was 21 turnovers to Cleveland’s 10 that did them in.
Brooklyn Nets
Everyone on the Nets had a strong shooting night Wednesday, as the team finished with a 64.3 shooting percentage from the field and 63.6 from three-point range. All five starters hit double-digits in points, as well as another four players off the bench to tie a franchise record. A 91-point first half, the third-biggest in the history of the NBA, also gave some needed rest to Brooklyn’s starting five as no Nets player hit 30 minutes of play.
The Nets have scored at least 119 points in six of their last seven games, and did so Wednesday without star guard Kyrie Irving who’s day-to-day with calf soreness. Irving and Kevin Durant are both averaging over 26 points a game, with Durant the team leader at 30.1.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Bucks vs. Nets?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 23 Dec 1:32pm | MIL | -2.5 -110 | O +229 -110 |
| Closing 24 Dec 12:28am | MIL | -2.5 -107 | O +230 -114 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Bucks Team Leaders
| Points |
31.1 |
| Assists |
7.39 |
| Rebounds |
11.78 |
| FG% |
55.3 |
| Steals |
1.18 |
| Blocks |
2.47 |
| Points |
27.1 |
| Assists |
9.08 |
| Rebounds |
9.24 |
| FG% |
70.5 |
| Steals |
1.4 |
| Blocks |
2.49 |
| Points |
23.8 |
| Assists |
8 |
| Rebounds |
11 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.4 |
| Blocks |
1.8 |
| Points |
23.5 |
| Assists |
6.5 |
| Rebounds |
8 |
| FG% |
72 |
| Steals |
1.25 |
| Blocks |
1.75 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nets Team Leaders
| Points |
31.1 |
| Assists |
7.39 |
| Rebounds |
11.78 |
| FG% |
55.3 |
| Steals |
1.18 |
| Blocks |
2.47 |
| Points |
27.1 |
| Assists |
9.08 |
| Rebounds |
9.24 |
| FG% |
70.5 |
| Steals |
1.4 |
| Blocks |
2.49 |
| Points |
23.8 |
| Assists |
8 |
| Rebounds |
11 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.4 |
| Blocks |
1.8 |
| Points |
23.5 |
| Assists |
6.5 |
| Rebounds |
8 |
| FG% |
72 |
| Steals |
1.25 |
| Blocks |
1.75 |
Injuries
Wesley Matthews (SG)
Brook Lopez (C)
AJ Green (PG)
Brook Lopez (C)
Pat Connaughton (SG)
Grayson Allen (SG)
Jevon Carter (PG)
Khris Middleton (SF)
Grayson Allen (SG)
Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF)
Nic Claxton (C)
Spencer Dinwiddie (PG)
Seth Curry (SG)
Royce O'Neale (SF)
Edmond Sumner (PG)
Dorian Finney-Smith (SF)
Cameron Johnson (PF)
Dorian Finney-Smith (SF)
Day'Ron Sharpe (C)
Royce O'Neale (SF)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wesley Matthews (SG) | Prob Wed | Calf - 18 / 04 / 23 | 1-3 | 4-0 | + - |
|
Matthews is dealing with a right calf strain, but it is anticipated that he will suit up against the Heat in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Brook Lopez (C) | Out Sun | Rest - 09 / 04 / 23 | 1-5 | 6-0 | + - |
|
Lopez will be out of the lineup Sunday against the Raptors as he is taking a rest day. |
|||||
| AJ Green (PG) | Ques Wed | Foot - 07 / 04 / 23 | 2-5 | 6-1 | + - |
|
Green is tending to right foot soreness, and it is uncertain if he will partake in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Heat. |
|||||
| Brook Lopez (C) | Out Fri | Rest - 06 / 04 / 23 | 2-5 | 6-1 | + - |
|
Lopez was not be active for Friday's clash with the Grizzlies as he will receive a day of rest. |
|||||
| Pat Connaughton (SG) | Prob Sun | Ankle - 04 / 04 / 23 | 3-6 | 7-2 | + - |
|
Connaughton is hampered by a right ankle sprain, but it is likely that he will take the court against the Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Grayson Allen (SG) | Prob Sun | Ankle - 03 / 04 / 23 | 3-6 | 7-2 | + - |
|
Allen is nursing a right ankle sprain, but it is projected that he will be available for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round with the Heat. |
|||||
| Jevon Carter (PG) | Prob Wed | Knee - 03 / 04 / 23 | 3-6 | 7-2 | + - |
|
Carter missed the previous game with left knee soreness, but it is expected that he will line up for Wednesday's clash versus the Bulls. |
|||||
| Khris Middleton (SF) | Prob Sun | Knee - 03 / 04 / 23 | 3-6 | 7-2 | + - |
|
Middleton is limited due to right knee soreness, but it is anticipated that he will line up against the Heat for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Grayson Allen (SG) | Ques Tues | Ankle - 02 / 04 / 23 | 3-7 | 8-2 | + - |
|
Allen exited the previous contest with a right ankle sprain, and it remains to be seen if he will lace up against the Wizards in Tuesday's clash. |
|||||
| Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF) | Elig Tues | Suspension - 01 / 04 / 23 | 3-7 | 8-2 | + - |
|
Antetokounmpo is going through a one-game suspension for an on-court incident, and he will be eligible to return against the Wizards on Tuesday. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nic Claxton (C) | Out Sun | Rest - 09 / 04 / 23 | 1-3 | 2-3 | + - |
|
Claxton is taking a day of rest, and he will not suit up against the 76ers on Sunday. |
|||||
| Spencer Dinwiddie (PG) | Out Sun | Rest - 09 / 04 / 23 | 1-3 | 2-3 | + - |
|
Dinwiddie will be absent from Sunday's showdown with the 76ers as he is taking a rest day. |
|||||
| Seth Curry (SG) | Prob Sat | Ankle - 08 / 04 / 23 | 1-3 | 2-3 | + - |
|
Curry is managing a left ankle injury, but it is likely that he will lace up for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round against the 76ers. |
|||||
| Royce O'Neale (SF) | Prob Sat | Knee - 08 / 04 / 23 | 1-3 | 2-3 | + - |
|
O'Neale injured his left knee, but it is anticipated that he will bounce back in time for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round with the 76ers. |
|||||
| Edmond Sumner (PG) | Prob Sat | Hip - 08 / 04 / 23 | 1-3 | 2-3 | + - |
|
Sumner is tending to a right hip contusion, but it is not expected to affect his availability for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round against the 76ers. |
|||||
| Dorian Finney-Smith (SF) | Prob Sat | Wrist - 08 / 04 / 23 | 1-3 | 2-3 | + - |
|
Finney-Smith is dealing with a right wrist contusion, but it is projected that he will face the 76ers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Cameron Johnson (PF) | Prob Sat | Knee - 08 / 04 / 23 | 1-3 | 2-3 | + - |
|
Johnson is nursing right knee soreness, but it is not likely to affect his status for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the 76ers. |
|||||
| Dorian Finney-Smith (SF) | Prob Fri | Wrist - 05 / 04 / 23 | 2-4 | 3-4 | + - |
|
Finney-Smith sat out the last game due to a right wrist contusion, but it is projected that he will partake in Friday's clash with the Magic. |
|||||
| Day'Ron Sharpe (C) | Prob Fri | Ankle - 30 / 03 / 23 | 3-6 | 4-6 | + - |
|
Sharpe is expected to take on the Hawks on Friday despite a left ankle sprain. |
|||||
| Royce O'Neale (SF) | Prob Wed | Knee - 26 / 03 / 23 | 4-7 | 5-7 | + - |
|
O'Neale was absent from the previous game with left knee soreness, but it is likely that he will face the Rockets on Wednesday. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 23 Dec 1:32pm MIL -2.5 -110 O +229 -110 Closing 24 Dec 12:28am MIL -2.5 -107 O +230 -114 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Bucks Team Leaders
Points 31.1
Assists 7.39
Rebounds 11.78
FG% 55.3
Steals 1.18
Blocks 2.47
Points 27.1
Assists 9.08
Rebounds 9.24
FG% 70.5
Steals 1.4
Blocks 2.49
Points 23.8
Assists 8
Rebounds 11
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.4
Blocks 1.8
Points 23.5
Assists 6.5
Rebounds 8
FG% 72
Steals 1.25
Blocks 1.75
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nets Team Leaders
Points 31.1
Assists 7.39
Rebounds 11.78
FG% 55.3
Steals 1.18
Blocks 2.47
Points 27.1
Assists 9.08
Rebounds 9.24
FG% 70.5
Steals 1.4
Blocks 2.49
Points 23.8
Assists 8
Rebounds 11
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.4
Blocks 1.8
Points 23.5
Assists 6.5
Rebounds 8
FG% 72
Steals 1.25
Blocks 1.75
-
Injuries
Wesley Matthews (SG)
Prob Wed Calf - 18 / 04 / 23Brook Lopez (C)
Out Sun Rest - 09 / 04 / 23AJ Green (PG)
Ques Wed Foot - 07 / 04 / 23Brook Lopez (C)
Out Fri Rest - 06 / 04 / 23Pat Connaughton (SG)
Prob Sun Ankle - 04 / 04 / 23Grayson Allen (SG)
Prob Sun Ankle - 03 / 04 / 23Jevon Carter (PG)
Prob Wed Knee - 03 / 04 / 23Khris Middleton (SF)
Prob Sun Knee - 03 / 04 / 23Grayson Allen (SG)
Ques Tues Ankle - 02 / 04 / 23Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF)
Elig Tues Suspension - 01 / 04 / 23Nic Claxton (C)
Out Sun Rest - 09 / 04 / 23Spencer Dinwiddie (PG)
Out Sun Rest - 09 / 04 / 23Seth Curry (SG)
Prob Sat Ankle - 08 / 04 / 23Royce O'Neale (SF)
Prob Sat Knee - 08 / 04 / 23Edmond Sumner (PG)
Prob Sat Hip - 08 / 04 / 23Dorian Finney-Smith (SF)
Prob Sat Wrist - 08 / 04 / 23Cameron Johnson (PF)
Prob Sat Knee - 08 / 04 / 23Dorian Finney-Smith (SF)
Prob Fri Wrist - 05 / 04 / 23Day'Ron Sharpe (C)
Prob Fri Ankle - 30 / 03 / 23Royce O'Neale (SF)
Prob Wed Knee - 26 / 03 / 23Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Wesley Matthews (SG) Prob Wed Calf - 18 / 04 / 23 1-3 4-0 + - Matthews is dealing with a right calf strain, but it is anticipated that he will suit up against the Heat in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Brook Lopez (C) Out Sun Rest - 09 / 04 / 23 1-5 6-0 + - Lopez will be out of the lineup Sunday against the Raptors as he is taking a rest day.
AJ Green (PG) Ques Wed Foot - 07 / 04 / 23 2-5 6-1 + - Green is tending to right foot soreness, and it is uncertain if he will partake in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Heat.
Brook Lopez (C) Out Fri Rest - 06 / 04 / 23 2-5 6-1 + - Lopez was not be active for Friday's clash with the Grizzlies as he will receive a day of rest.
Pat Connaughton (SG) Prob Sun Ankle - 04 / 04 / 23 3-6 7-2 + - Connaughton is hampered by a right ankle sprain, but it is likely that he will take the court against the Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Grayson Allen (SG) Prob Sun Ankle - 03 / 04 / 23 3-6 7-2 + - Allen is nursing a right ankle sprain, but it is projected that he will be available for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round with the Heat.
Jevon Carter (PG) Prob Wed Knee - 03 / 04 / 23 3-6 7-2 + - Carter missed the previous game with left knee soreness, but it is expected that he will line up for Wednesday's clash versus the Bulls.
Khris Middleton (SF) Prob Sun Knee - 03 / 04 / 23 3-6 7-2 + - Middleton is limited due to right knee soreness, but it is anticipated that he will line up against the Heat for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Grayson Allen (SG) Ques Tues Ankle - 02 / 04 / 23 3-7 8-2 + - Allen exited the previous contest with a right ankle sprain, and it remains to be seen if he will lace up against the Wizards in Tuesday's clash.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF) Elig Tues Suspension - 01 / 04 / 23 3-7 8-2 + - Antetokounmpo is going through a one-game suspension for an on-court incident, and he will be eligible to return against the Wizards on Tuesday.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Nic Claxton (C) Out Sun Rest - 09 / 04 / 23 1-3 2-3 + - Claxton is taking a day of rest, and he will not suit up against the 76ers on Sunday.
Spencer Dinwiddie (PG) Out Sun Rest - 09 / 04 / 23 1-3 2-3 + - Dinwiddie will be absent from Sunday's showdown with the 76ers as he is taking a rest day.
Seth Curry (SG) Prob Sat Ankle - 08 / 04 / 23 1-3 2-3 + - Curry is managing a left ankle injury, but it is likely that he will lace up for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round against the 76ers.
Royce O'Neale (SF) Prob Sat Knee - 08 / 04 / 23 1-3 2-3 + - O'Neale injured his left knee, but it is anticipated that he will bounce back in time for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round with the 76ers.
Edmond Sumner (PG) Prob Sat Hip - 08 / 04 / 23 1-3 2-3 + - Sumner is tending to a right hip contusion, but it is not expected to affect his availability for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round against the 76ers.
Dorian Finney-Smith (SF) Prob Sat Wrist - 08 / 04 / 23 1-3 2-3 + - Finney-Smith is dealing with a right wrist contusion, but it is projected that he will face the 76ers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Cameron Johnson (PF) Prob Sat Knee - 08 / 04 / 23 1-3 2-3 + - Johnson is nursing right knee soreness, but it is not likely to affect his status for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the 76ers.
Dorian Finney-Smith (SF) Prob Fri Wrist - 05 / 04 / 23 2-4 3-4 + - Finney-Smith sat out the last game due to a right wrist contusion, but it is projected that he will partake in Friday's clash with the Magic.
Day'Ron Sharpe (C) Prob Fri Ankle - 30 / 03 / 23 3-6 4-6 + - Sharpe is expected to take on the Hawks on Friday despite a left ankle sprain.
Royce O'Neale (SF) Prob Wed Knee - 26 / 03 / 23 4-7 5-7 + - O'Neale was absent from the previous game with left knee soreness, but it is likely that he will face the Rockets on Wednesday.