The NBA’s top scoring team will be an 11-point favorite at home in Fiserv Forum, when the Milwaukee Bucks (24-10) square off against the Brooklyn Nets (17-20). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 223 points and it can be seen on YES Network at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 29, 2018.
Brooklyn Nets at Milwaukee Bucks Betting Odds
The Bucks were victorious over the New York Knicks in their last outing, 112-96, covering as 14-point favorites. The Nets, meanwhile, were defeated by the Charlotte Hornets, 100-87, and failed to cover as 1-point underdogs. The Milwaukee game finished 18.5 points under the projected point total of 226.5, while the Brooklyn game finished 32.5 points under the projected point total of 219.5.
Milwaukee dominated nearly every facet of the contest. They had a free throw rate of 0.183 (below their season average of 0.193) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.0 (above their season average of 21.8). For those same stats, New York put up marks of 0.113 and 17.9, respectively. Brooklyn, meanwhile, did an excellent job of converting from the charity stripe (17-20; 85.0 percent). Giannis Antetokounmpo put together a good game for Milwaukee with 31 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists. Brooklyn was led by D’Angelo Russell, who finished with 33 points.
The Bucks edged out the Nets in this series last year, winning two out of three games. In the most recent matchup, Brooklyn won 119-111. Brooklyn was lights out from beyond the arc (19-39; 48.7 percent). Milwaukee, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (7.0 vs. 16.8). This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Vegas has been spot on when predicting totals of Nets games, with an even split between overs and unders. Brooklyn holds records of 17-20 straight up (SU) and 19-17 against the spread (ATS).
Games involving the Bucks also have no tendency in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Further, Milwaukee is 24-10 SU and 18-15-1 ATS.
The high-octane offense of Milwaukee will face off against the mid-tier defense of Brooklyn. The Bucks rank sixth in offensive efficiency, while the Nets are 21st in defensive efficiency. The Bucks should have the advantage on that end of the court.
Nets at Bucks Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Bucks, ATS Winner – Nets, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Bucks rank 1 in rebounds per game (50.1764705882353) while the Nets rank 14 (45.270270270270274).
- Brooklyn ranks first in three pointers allowed per game (26.5) while Milwaukee ranks last (35.6).
- The Bucks rank first in second chance points allowed per game (11.0) while the Nets rank 23rd (14.6).
- Milwaukee ranks eighth in fast break points per game (15.3) while Brooklyn ranks last (8.7).
- Milwaukee ranks 5 in assists per game (26) while Brooklyn ranks 19 (23.405405405405407).
- The Bucks rank third in blocks per game (6.1) while the Nets rank 28th (4.0).
- The Bucks rank 2 in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.352941176470589) while the Nets rank 21 (17.7027027027027).
- Milwaukee ranks 4 in steals allowed per game (7.0588235294117645) while Brooklyn ranks 10 (7.54054054054054).
- Milwaukee ranks first in points allowed in the paint per game (40.4) while Brooklyn ranks 24th (51.0).
- Brooklyn is 5-1 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Milwaukee is 8-1.
- When reaching 100 points, the Bucks are 24-7 and the Nets are 16-15.
- Milwaukee is 11-7 ATS at home, while Brooklyn is 10-6 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 10 of the Bucks’ 18 home games, while 10 of the Nets’ 16 road games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Brooklyn and Milwaukee are both 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Nets’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.6, up from 0.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bucks have scored an average of 110.2 points per game (6.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 101.4 points per game (6.3 below their season average).
