Bucks vs Nets Preview & Pick
Bucks vs Nets Preview & Pick – Game 3 of one of the most anticipated series in this year’s NBA playoffs heads to Milwaukee on June 10th. This series has not lived up to the hype as the Bucks find themselves in an 0-2 hole against a “Hardenless” Nets team. Game 3 is a must win for the Bucks at home if they want any chance at advancing.
Milwaukee’s Keys To Win
Although it may not seem like it, Milwaukee really only needs to make a few minor improvements to work back into this series.
During the regular season the Bucks shot 38.9% from three point range and so far through two games against the Nets they are shooting just 24.6% from beyond the arc.
The Nets also shot 76% from the free throw line this season and against the Nets they are shooting just 53%. They also have not been able to find their way to the line shooting just 14 free throws a game compared to their season average of 21.
Bottom line is the Bucks need to take better care of the basketball, get into the paint, force their way to the free throw line, and knock down shots. Milwaukee will not win this series shooting the way they have through two games.
Brooklyn’s Keys To Win
Brooklyn just has to continue to manage the game correctly and let Kevin Durant continue to go to work. Durant is averaging 30 points and has looked unstoppable despite being guarded by former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
I would like to see the Nets on the free throw line a bit more. They have only shot 8 free throws per game but shot 90.3% as a team during the season which is at the top of the league.
It is going to be interesting to see if the team can continue to play at this level without James Harden.
The Nets have to be sure to keep forcing difficult shots from three. If this Bucks team gets hot from beyond the arc it is going to open up lanes for Giannis and Brook Lopez to score in the lane. If this Bucks team is able the Nets out they will be difficult to stop.
My Game 3 Outlook
I think Milwaukee has the pieces to beat this Brooklyn team especially without Harden. Playing at home is going to give Milwaukee a huge advantage obviously with crowds returning the fans have been extremely energetic, and home players have been able to feed off of the energy.
I think all it will take for Milwaukee to get going is a few shots going through the net.
I am interested to see how Milwaukee responds to KD. Giannis, who is one of the best defenders in the league, has had no answers for KD’s scoring ability. I think the Bucks are going to need to put together some type of game plan to focus more on Durant instead of leaving Giannis on an island.
Milwaukee is fortunate to have caught the Nets without Harden. Will they take advantage?
I cannot see this Bucks team losing three games in a row especially that they are now in desperation mode at home. This team is too talented to continue this poor play.
If the Bucks can knock down a few shots I think they can take over this game at home.
There is no way the Bucks don’t come up with a new scheme to contain KD on defense. I think they are going to contain him and force other players to step up and make plays. Jrue Holiday is also going to have to step up and do a better job on Kyrie Irving.
My Game 3 Best Bets
Milwaukee Bucks ML (-171)
Milwaukee Bucks Spread (-3.5)
Kevin Durant Under Points (32.5)
