NBA PLAYOFFS 2021
Nets VS Bucks
2nd ROUND
Game 1: June 5th
Absolute fireworks here in the 2nd round. Giannis averaged 39 points in his 3 games against the Nets this season. The offense on both if these teams is insane, and we are bound to see a lot of scoring and surely a game that will come down to the wire. I am very interested to see how Giannis performs this series - his toughest matchup of his career for sure, and it is a huge test for the Bucks. I think the Nets are too good for any one, but if anyone in the East can test them, it is the Bucks. I am not going to pick a winner tonight because I need to see them play at least once in playoff atmosphere to get a feel of how the games are going to go, but I definitely like the over in points, as well as some good scoring player props. Take the over 239 total points, James Harden over 26.5 points, Khris Middleton over 21.5 points, Brook Lopez over 0.5 made threes, and Jrue Holiday under 19.5 points.
Game 2: June 7th
Start Time: 7:30 pm EST
Venue: Barclays Center, Brooklyn
Where to Watch: TNT
For whatever reason, the Nets are slight underdogs at home. Just because they don’t have Harden doesn’t mean much to me - they still have Kyrie and KD, as well as a long list of great role and bench players. Yes, the Bucks are a tough matchup for the Nets, but I think Kyrie and KD are going to step up and take over tonight, especially KD. Take the Nets Money Line, Giannis Antetokounmpo over 34.5 points, and Kevin Durant over 32.5 points.
Game 3: June 9th
Start Time: 7:30 pm EST
Venue: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
Where to Watch: ESPN
Game 3 should be intense. The Bucks get home court advantage and are going to come out swinging now that they are down 2 games to 0. I expect Giannis to take matters into his own hands - he knows his legacy depends on coming up big in these types of games. So far in his career, he has not been great in the playoffs. He is aware of this and knows he has to be better if he wants to be an all-time great. However, the Nets are too good to bet against. I think the Bucks will score the ball very well, but that the Nets will keep up with them in a high scoring outing. Take the Nets +3.5, over 233.5 total points, and Giannis Antetokounmpo over 32.5 points.
Game 4: June 13th
Start Time: 3 pm EST
Venue: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
Where to Watch: ABC
Too hungover for this. Take the Nets -2 and over 228 total points.
Game 5: June 15th
Start Time: 8:30 pm EST
Venue: Barclays Center, Brooklyn
Where to Watch: TNT
With James Harden back in the mix, and Kyrie Irving now out, game 5 should be very interesting. Harden has missed a few games and definitely isn’t 100%, and Kevin Durant has had a tough couple games mainly caused by great tough defense from PJ Tucker. The Bucks have been dominant and I believe they will be again tonight without Kyrie, who is so important to the Nets’s success. Take the Bucks -2.5, Blake Griffin over 9.5 points, and Giannis Antetokounmpo over 32.5 points.
Game 6: June 17th
Start Time: 8:30 pm EST
Venue: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
Where to Watch: ESPN
I can’t imagine the Bucks who have looked so good in the past 3 games (minus the second half of game 5) will lose game 6 on their home court to lose the series to a banged up Nets team. The x-factor will be whether or not KD has another nuclear game - I think Harden will still be laboring through his hamstring injury as he did last game, but if he catches a rhythm it will be a tough night for the Bucks. I think the Bucks supporting cast to Giannis has to come up big tonight for them to have a chance. Take Jrue Holiday over 18.5 points, James Harden over 16.5 points, and James Harden over 2.5 made threes.