Bucks vs Nets Prediction, Trends and Betting Odds for Game 2 NBA Playoffs

The NBA Playoffs have now fully moved onto the second round, and we have Game 2 of the series between the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets today. Despite an alarming injury to James Harden immediately in the game, the Nets did what they were supposed to do, winning Game 1 at home. This NBA betting preview for the Celtics vs Nets NBA Playoffs matchup will provide game info, betting trends, odds and a prediction for Game 2 of this series.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Brooklyn Nets Betting Preview and Prediction | NBA Playoffs

Eastern Conference Round 2 NBA Playoffs Game 1
Milwaukee Bucks (46-26, 20-16 Away) vs. Brooklyn Nets (48-24, 28-8 Home)
Date: Monday, June 7, 2021
Time: 7:30 pm EST
Venue: Barclays Center – Brooklyn, NY
Coverage: TNT

The Bucks have nobody to blame for the Game 1 loss but themselves. They put up over 100 shots in the track meet, converting on 44.6% of them. Even fans who didn’t watch the game can easily point out why they lost. First, they shot 11-19 from the free throw line. Those eight points were costly in the end, with a 115-107 loss. The Bucks also shot 6-30 from three-point range, and they turned the ball over six more times than Brooklyn. Simply, they need to be more efficient all-around. 

The Nets were able to get the win, despite Harden exiting the entire arena to get an MRI on his hamstring. He has been ruled out for this game, with the team labeling it “hamstring tightness.” Luckily, the Nets have Kyrie Irving to slide over and be the primary ball handler, while Kevin Durant does his thing offensively. However, the big story was the performance from Blake Griffin, who finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds. If he keeps up this level of hustle and play, the Nets will be a very tough team to beat in the postseason, regardless of Harden’s status. 

NBA Betting Odds

Moneyline: MIL: (+105) | BKN: (-117)
Spread: MIL: +1 (-108) | BKN: -1 (-112)
Total: 235.5 – Over: (-110) I Under: (-110)

Bucks vs Nets NBA Betting Trends

• Milwaukee is 4-8 against the spread (ATS) in its last 12 games.
• Milwaukee is 15-5 straight up in its last 20 games against Brooklyn.
• Brooklyn is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games.
• The total has hit the under in four of Brooklyn’s last six games against Milwaukee.

Bucks vs Nets Prediction

This NBA prediction uses NumberFire’s probability model. They give Brooklyn a 50.9% chance to win Game 2 of this NBA Playoffs matchup.

Where Milwaukee will really struggle in this series is defensively. They continue to play too much zone defense, which easily gives up open jump shots. The Nets are not the Miami Heat; they will hit their shots. I don’t see the Bucks making the adjustment in Game 2, and I believe that will be to their detriment. While it will be a close game, close games typically come down to free throws. I’ll side with the home team to go up 2-0.