The Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks meet for Game 2 after Brooklyn’s dominant Game 1 victory despite losing James Harden to a hamstring injury shortly after the opening tip. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving led the Nets to victory, but Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks will look to even the series in Game 2 after likely feeling they missed a great chance to take Game 1.
Below is a look at a number of predictions ahead of Monday night’s game for the Free $5K DraftKings Pools - Playoff Edition (MIL-BKN).
Bucks vs. Nets Game 2 pool picks
Which team will cover the spread? Nets -1.5 or Bucks +1.5
The Nets will be without Harden, but Durant and Irving proved their star status in Game 1. Brooklyn’s role players also stepped up, but expect the Bucks to be better from beyond the perimeter. The home team is still the pick here at -1.5.
How many total points will be scored? Over or under 234.5
Both teams have been excellent offensively, but expect the Nets to fall back to earth slightly with Harden’s absence. Milwaukee won’t shoot as poorly as it did in Game 1, but this is a big number. Take the under, but with caution.
Which team will reach 30 points first? Nets or Bucks
Both teams started off well in Game 1. The Nets have plenty of experience playing without Harden, so don’t expect too many struggles. Take the home team to reach 30 points first.
Which player will have more points and assists? Jrue Holiday or Kyrie Irving
Irving had eight assists to Holiday’s six in Game 1. Although he isn’t the passer Harden is, Irving will likely take over as the lead guard and ball-handler. Holiday was racking up assists in the opening round, but the Nets were surprisingly good defensively in Game 1. Take Irving here.
How many total points, rebounds and assists for Kevin Durant? Over or Under 47.5
Durant tallied 42 combined points, rebounds and assists in Game 1. While I expect his point total to go up, it’s hard to say how much he’ll take on with Harden out. The over seems like the better play, but this is a tough line.
How many points, rebounds and assists for Giannis Antetokounmpo? Over or under 51.5
Antetokounmpo’s player prop lines should be bet like Doncic’s player prop lines for the Mavericks’ series with the Clippers. Take the over in most cases. The “Greek Freak” went for 49 combined points, rebounds and assists in Game 1 and I expect him to have similar production for the series. The over is the better play.
Which player will score more 3-pointers? Khris Middleton or Joe Harris
Harris is going to get plenty of high-quality looks with the presence of Durant and Irving, but Middleton won’t repeat his 0-5 performance from Game 1. This is a tough head-to-head comparison, but take the sweet-shooting Harris to hit more treys.
Which team will win the fourth quarter? Nets or Bucks
Expect this contest to be a lot closer than Game 1. Without Harden, the Nets will have to stagger rotations better and the Bucks will likely have enough stretches where only one star is on the floor for Brooklyn. In a tight game, take the Nets to win the fourth quarter.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA/MI), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA) or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN). 21+ (18+ NH). CO/IL/IN/IA/NH/NJ/PA/TN/VA/WV/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.