Steve Starr
- Go to BetOnline or Bovada for the latest odds on the Bucks vs Nets game
- Giannis has led Milwaukee to the best record in the NBA while averaging 31.2 points, 11.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists
- The Eastern Conference matchup tips off from Fiserv Forum at 8:00pm ET on Thursday, March 9th
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 33 points in a 118-104 win over Brooklyn last week, and the NBA MVP contender should be back in the lineup for Thursday night’s game. The Nets have won three-straight games as they begin to find their groove in the post Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving era.
Can Jacque Vaughn’s young, rebuilding club pull off the upset against the league’s top team? Before we break down the matchup, check out our guide to betting on the 2023 NBA Finals and our tips for betting on the NBA.
Bucks vs Nets
 | Spread | Money Line | Total Points |
| Brooklyn Nets | +12.5 | +610 | TBD |
| Milwaukee Bucks | -12.5 | -900 | TBD |
Giannis for MVP?
Milwaukee has the best record (47-18) in the NBA after winning 18 of their past 19 games. They defeated the Magic 134-123 on Tuesday without both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday. Encouragingly, Khris Middleton stepped into the starting lineup for the first time since December and registered season-highs in points (24) and assists (11).
If Middleton can begin to resemble the player he was during the 2021 title run, the Bucks will make a return trip to the NBA Finals. Giannis is averaging an otherworldly 31.2 points, 11.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. Both he and Holiday should be back in the lineup on Thursday night after resting versus Orlando, but keep an eye on their statuses before placing your bets.
Got him ✌🏾🤣 pic.twitter.com/icOz0D59Xa
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) March 8, 2023
Life without KD
After losing six of seven games following the Durant trade, Brooklyn has put together three straight wins. Acquired in the KD deal, Mikal Bridges has racked up 30 or more points on five occasions since arriving from Phoenix. Spencer Dinwiddie has also been solid since coming over in the Kyrie swap, averaging 17.6 points, 6.5 assists and 3.9 rebounds.
With a 37-28 record, the Nets sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. However, with Ben Simmons injured and an overall lack of talent, they’re likely headed towards a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Milwaukee vs Brooklyn
Milwaukee is a 12.5-point home favorite over Brooklyn on Thursday night. Mike Budenholzer’s club has the third-best home record (27-6) in the NBA, covering the spread at a 62.5% clip at Fiserv Forum. Meanwhile, Brooklyn has covered 52.9% of the time as visitors. Those numbers can essentially be thrown out with KD and Kyrie long gone. The Nets are 2-4 on the road since shipping Durant to Phoenix with an impressive 115-105 victory in Boston last Friday.
Bucks home games are hitting the OVER at the highest rate (66.7%) in the league. But, Jacque Vaughan’s squad skews to the UNDER (54.6%) while on the road.
Mikal Bridges over the last 5 Games:
30 PTS, 5 AST, 4 3PM
33 PTS, 8 REB, 57% FG
38 PTS, 10 REB, 59% FG
21 PTS, 3 AST, 3 REB
31 PTS, 5 AST, 58% FG pic.twitter.com/sTIkolVXVy— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 8, 2023
Best Bet
Brooklyn’s three-game win streak includes wins over the Hornets and Rockets, two of the worst operations in the entire NBA. Assuming the Greek Freak is back in the lineup, we like Milwaukee to crush the Nets at home.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
