Milwaukee Bucks - Brooklyn Nets predictions and free betting tips [22/03/2024]

The Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks are set to square off on Friday at the Fiserv Forum.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks, having faced a tough stretch with 4 losses in their last 7 matches, are keen to bounce back from a recent loss to the Boston Celtics, where they were edged out 119:122. In that game, Damian Lillard made a significant contribution, scoring 32 points and providing 6 assists. Bobby Portis backed him up, adding 24 points and 15 rebounds, while Chris Middleton also played a part, adding 22 points and 6 assists. Despite a rough start and trailing by 21 points, the Bucks managed to close the gap to two points by the end of the fourth quarter, showcasing a high field goal percentage (53%) and success in three-pointers (17 out of 35).

The Bucks, who stand strong with a 44-25 record, are embarking on a three-game homestand, grappling with challenges in the absence of Antetokounmpo, who missed the Celtics match due to injury. His fitness is rated as good, but not perfect, hence the decision not to take chances. Despite this, the Bucks have shown resilience and the ability to compete even without their key figure, claiming victories in both previous season matches against the Nets. These situations, according to head coach Doc Rivers, provide an excellent opportunity for error analysis, learning, and improving the team's playing qualities.

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets are experiencing a tough spell, losing 6 out of their last 7 outings, which has worsened their standing after a crushing defeat to the New Orleans Pelicans, ending with a scoreline of 91:104. This encounter was marked by low productivity from Cam Thomas, who scored 25 points by converting only 8 of 19 shots, while Mikal Bridges and Dennis Schroeder added to the total tally 15 points and 12, respectively. Overall, the team had a low shooting percentage, making just 36% from the field and 12 out 40 three-pointers. The particularly difficult 24-point deficit after the second quarter highlighted issues in both offence and defence.

The rough stretch has complicated the Nets' chances of getting a play-in tournament spot in the Eastern Conference, leaving them with a 26-43 record and trailing by 4.5 games from the final qualifying position. The latter marked his 500th consecutive match, a notable achievement demonstrating his high level of professionalism and consistency. The team aim to pull together and turnaround their games, starting with the impending encounter with the New York Knicks, to rectify the situation and conserve any remaining chances for the play-in.

Prediction for the Milwaukee Bucks - Brooklyn Nets match

The Nets will enter the forthcoming game without Dorian Finney-Smith and possibly without Nic Claxton, while the Bucks will, once again, fail to count on the participation of Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a hamstring strain. Although Antetokounmpo's absence may seem like a downgrade to the Bucks' capabilities, the team has enough potential to overcome the resistance of the Nets in home conditions.