Brooklyn Nets vs Milwaukee Bucks 10/19/21: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Live Stream
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Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks Matchup Preview (10/19/21)
Opening night for the 2021-22 NBA season is almost here! The key story for this game is the availability of Nets’ guard, Kyrie Irving. Based on information relayed from the organization last week, Irving will not be available to play for the Nets until he is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This is advantageous for the Milwaukee Bucks, who are dealing with virtually no drama in their organization at the moment. Whether it is Irving’s human right or not, the entire situation has become somewhat of a distraction. Currently, the spread is exceptionally tight no matter what sportsbook you go with. If you are looking for an edge and who has the best chance of winning this matchup, check out all the details below.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Odds
The spread is extremely tight for this matchup, and rightfully so, as this series went to seven games last season in the playoffs. Two huge factors play into this game, though. The first is the controversy surrounding Kyrie Irving deciding not to get vaccinated and consequently not play for the Nets until he gets it. Beyond just the struggle of playing without Irving, there is also the inevitable distraction from the media and fans about the whole situation. This distraction can keep a team from performing at its highest level. The other factor is how amazing the Milwaukee Bucks are on their home court.
They finished last season with a 36-11 record at home, including the playoffs. Their record at home was solid, but not great, before the playoffs. Then, they rattled off ten wins in their 11 home playoff games. Additionally, Giannis looked incredibly dominant and efficient in his few pre-season appearances. This year, he could have a massive season, and I think it will all start in the first game. If nothing crazy changes before the game, take the Milwaukee Bucks’ Moneyline or ATS (against the spread) if it is at -2 or better.
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TV Schedule
Date: 10/19/21
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Arena: Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee, WI
Channel: TNT
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Nets @ Bucs Betting Pick Video
Brooklyn Nets Starting Lineup
PG: Patty Mills
SG: James Harden
SF: Joe Harris
PF: Kevin Durant
C: Blake Griffin
Brooklyn Nets Analysis
The Brooklyn Nets have one of the most talented rosters in the history of the NBA; however, they can never seem to get Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden on the floor together. They have played together fewer than ten times since being on the Nets, so there has been little overall chemistry developed between the three. Regardless, they still have three of the best players in the world on their roster.
Even though only two will be available against the Bucks, Kevin Durant and James Harden can still challenge the defending champions in an inevitable barnburner. Durant had a monstrous series in the playoffs last season against Milwaukee and was one shoe size less from another NBA Finals appearance (and likely, win.) The bench for the Nets is the most significant change for them heading into this year and could be the necessary change that drives them to an NBA Championship.
Milwaukee Bucks Starting Lineup
PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Pat Connaughton
SF: Khris Middleton
PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
C: Brook Lopez
Milwaukee Bucks Analysis
To be frank, Giannis Antetokounmpo has a distinct chance of winning his third MVP award this year. While he has played minimal minutes in the pre-season, his jump shot looks better than it ever has before. There are virtually no hitches in his shot, and he seems to be shooting with much more confidence. That’s a frightening thought as it is possibly the only weakness in his game. Giannis is entering his athletic prime and has seemingly put in just as much work into his shot as he has his body. Meanwhile, the Bucks also have Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton to round out the Bucks’ “big three.”
After winning the championship last year, Milwaukee brings back almost everyone on its roster, save P.J. Tucker. It also added guard Grayson Allen, who should be especially useful for as long as Donte DiVincenzo is out. DiVincenzo was injured last season during the playoffs and has not played since. Pat Connaughton filled that role perfectly, but the addition of Allen gives Milwaukee even more depth. Milwaukee was one of the highest-scoring teams in the NBA last season, and it is poised to be again ranked towards the top in 2021-22.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks Daily Fantasy Picks
One of the most obvious choices in this game for a fantasy pick is Kevin Durant. Durant went nuclear in the Nets’ playoff series against the Bucks last year. In those seven games, Durant put up 35.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. The last three games of that series were without Kyrie Irving, and the rest of the roster was quite similar outside of Harden playing through an injury.
From Game 5 through Game 7, Durant scored a mind-boggling 43 points per game. While he may not replicate those numbers, especially since Harden is healthy and will be more active offensively, I would certainly expect 30+ points, double-digit rebounds, and several assists in this game.
As more information rolls out, keep an eye on this, but Grayson Allen could be a terrific value play. Allen should get plenty of minutes either as a starter or backing up Pat Connaughton at the two-guard. He has tremendous scoring upside and will likely be the starter for Tuesday’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. I believe that 20-25 fantasy points are very achievable for him in this matchup as he can do many different things on the floor and doesn’t rely solely on three-point shooting.
Even if he comes off the bench for Connaughton, he could give you good production as a utility player, especially for his value of $3,800 on DraftKings. At that price, he is a cheaper option than George Hill. Allen is the perfect play if you need to get Antetokounmpo, Durant, Harden, Curry, or LeBron into your lineup for those Tuesday games.
