Bucks vs Nets Game 4 Preview & Pick

I was a half of a point away from having a perfect 3-0 night in Game 3 of this series. The Milwaukee Bucks winning game 3 puts them right back into the series. However, I consider Game 4 a must-win as well, with the Bucks vs Nets series returning to Brooklyn for Game 5.

Milwaukee Game 3 Overview

The Bucks find themselves right back in the mix despite not playing to their full potential once yet throughout this entire series.

Last game, I took Kevin Durant’s under (32.5) points, figuring the Bucks would commit to stopping him. The bet looked safe in the first half as Giannis and the Bucks were able to keep KD in check, but KD had a solid second half and almost eclipsed the over for his total. He shot just 39% from the field, which the Bucks can deal with.

The Bucks still cannot find any rhythm behind the arc following up 2 poor shooting performances with a 19% three-point percentage and just 37% from the field.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton combined for 68 of the Bucks’ 86 points. Middleton finally seemed to find his offense shooting 50% from three and knocked down 8 of his 9 free throws.

Giannis looked amazing in the paint but has to stop forcing three-pointers. 1 for 8 from three is only going to hurt the Bucks down the line.

The Bucks are going to need more contribution from the rest of the lineup. Jrue Holiday made a clutch bucket, but 18 points from the rest of the team is not going to cut it in Game 4.

The Milwaukee Bucks winning game 3 puts them right back into the series against the Brooklyn Nets. PJ Tucker brought the aggressiveness for the Bucks.

Brooklyn Game 3 Overview

The Brooklyn Nets finally looked human. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving both had poor shooting games partly due to the Bucks’ solid defense. This is not a team that will stay cold for long, though.

Joe Harris is going to have to step up at some point and knock down some shots. 1 for 11 from the field is unacceptable for a shooting specialist.

Bruce Brown has been extremely solid, filling in for Harden, scoring 16 points. However, Brown shot just under 50% from the field.

The Nets just have to get a bit more ball movement, and I would like to see Kyrie drive into the paint a bit more and see where the offense goes from there.

The Nets’ defense has looked solid. They have forced turnovers and poor shooting by one of the more efficient offensive teams in the NBA this season.

My Game 4 Outlook

In order for the Bucks to win this game, they are going to have to shoot the three better than they have been. They just barely scooted past the Nets even with no Harden and a cold shooting night from KD.

The Bucks are going to need contributions from Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday, and Pat Connaughton, who has been quiet in these playoffs.

I really don’t think a team with this talent can stay cold for this long, especially at home and riding the momentum of the close Game 3 win.

I know the Nets will come to play in Game 4. I just have a feeling that the Bucks are going to finally knock down some shots and continue to play solid defense and even the series at 2.

My Game 4 Best Bets

Milwaukee Bucks ML (+103)
Milwaukee 1H (+.5)