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The Brooklyn Nets look to take a commanding 3-0 lead against the Milwaukee Bucks when the two teams meet for Game 3 Thursday night. The Bucks will attempt to find their footing on their home floor after being blown out in Game 2. James Harden won’t be playing for the Nets, but that hasn’t made a difference yet in the series.
Below is a look at a number of predictions ahead of Thursday night’s game for the Free $5K DraftKings Pools - Playoff Edition (BKN-MIL).
Bucks vs. Nets, Game 3 pool picks
Which team will cover the spread? Brooklyn +3.5, Milwaukee -3.5
The Nets have smashed the Bucks in both games so far, but Milwaukee is the more desperate team coming into Game 3. Throw in the Bucks having home court and Milwaukee at -3.5 looks like the better pick. Brooklyn has to cool off from deep eventually, right?
What will be the total points scored? Over/Under 235.5
Both games so far have gone under this total and while Game 3 should be closer, this number might be too big for the over to hit. Take the under despite the talent on display in the series.
Which team will reach 30 points first?
The Bucks are going to be more aggressive early and if the shots start falling, expect Milwaukee to reach this total first. Kevin Durant will keep things close for the Nets as the Bucks haven’t been able to guard him at all so far this series. The home team should respond in Game 3 and is the pick here.
Which group will score more points? Kyrie Irving/Nic Claxton or Khris Middleton/Brook Lopez
Lopez has been a consistent producer for Milwaukee, but Middleton has been awful shooting the ball. Irving will get his points, but it’s hard to count on Claxton to have a big game. Take Milwaukee’s duo, even as Middleton works through his struggles.
Kevin Durant combined points, rebounds and assists? Over/Under 47.5
Because Durant is such a lethal scorer, the over seems to be the better play. He’s good to rack up a few assists with Harden sitting and he’ll collect enough boards to push past this number. The Bucks have not shown any promise in defending him well.
Giannis Antetokounmpo combined points, rebounds and assists? Over/Under 51.5
This is a massive number, but expect Antetokounmpo to have a big game. He’ll need to come close to this mark for the Bucks to have a chance in the game. If the supporting cast can hit shots, Antetokounmpo will have enough assists to get over the mark.
Which player makes more 3-pointers? Khris Middleton or Joe Harris
Middleton will eventually break out of his shooting slump, but Harris has been on fire and should be the pick here. He’s going to continue to get opportunities with Harden out and his percentage has been great so far.
Which team will win the 4th quarter?
This game should be closer than the first two, assuming the Bucks respond well to being backed into a corner. Take Milwaukee to win the final frame.
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