The Milwaukee Bucks will take on the Brooklyn Nets in Barclays Center on Wednesday at 7:30 PM Eastern time. The last time these two teams met was back on November 6th, where the Bucks were able to close out Brooklyn on the road with a score of 129-125. Milwaukee have defeated the Nets in their last three matchups including winning 8 of the last 10.
Milwaukee Bucks versus Brooklyn Nets Spread Set at 6.5, Over/Under 240.5 Total Points
In the last matchup, there were a total 254 points scored and both teams shot over 47 percent from the field. Milwaukee is ranked 2nd amongst the league in points per game with 124.5 and Brooklyn isn’t too far back, sitting in 12th with a 116 points per game average. The Nets are also on the second game of a back-to-back, which will help them keep their offense in rhythm. There is value in the over when it comes to total points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game with right calf injury management. If he doesn’t play, the line will most likely shift in favor of Brooklyn. If Antetokounmpo suits up for the contest, Milwaukee -6.5 has the edge considering Brooklyn haven’t defeated the Bucks since 2022.
Best Bet: Damian Lillard Over 3.5 Three Pointers Made (-120 on FanDuel Sportsbook)
Since being acquired by Milwaukee in the offseason, Damian Lillard has provided an extra boost on offense to this Bucks team averaging over 26 points and 7 assists per game while shooting 37.7 percent from behind the arc.
The Nets give up the most three pointers in the league to opposing point guards with just under four threes made per game. Lillard’s hit at least 4 three pointers in 7 of his last 8 starts, which makes over 3.5 threes my best bet of the contest.
Mikal Bridges Over 23.5 Points (-105 on Draft Kings Sportsbook)
With two 31-point performances in the last three matchups versus Milwaukee, Mikal Bridges is favored to go over his points line once again in tonight’s contest. The game Bridges didn’t hit the 31-point mark versus the Bucks, he scored 10 points in only 12 minutes of action.
Spencer Dinwiddie and Cam Johnson have also been ruled out for tonight’s game due to rest and injury management purposes, which leaves open shots up for grabs.
Cam Thomas Over 26.5 Points (-135 on Draft Kings Sportsbook)
This shot by Cam Thomas last night was ABSURD pic.twitter.com/t6M7XLGxS9
— Brooklyn Netcast (@BrooklynNetcast) December 23, 2023
Cam Thomas, who dropped 45 points in the last matchup versus Milwaukee has seen a dip in minutes ever since the return of Nic Claxton. Thomas did not play one minute of the fourth quarter last night versus the Detroit Pistons, but that’s expected to change considering he is the top option when it comes to creating his own shot on the team. Claxton has also been ruled out for tonight’s game, which should give Thomas more minutes down the stretch.
Thomas is averaging 23.5 points a game on the season while shooting over 37 percent from behind the arc and Milwaukee gives up the third most points in the league to opposing shooting guards. Due to the Bucks struggling wing defense and Claxton’s absence, over 26.5 points holds value in tonight’s matchup.
Coverage for tonight’s contest in Brooklyn will begin at 7:30 PM Eastern time streaming live on NBA League Pass.
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