The Brooklyn Nets face off against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of the second round of the Playoffs. This game is scheduled to take place at 8:30 PM EST and will be played in the Barclays Arena.
After a fantastic victory in Game 5, where the Nets saw Kevin Durant put up a 49 point triple double, the Nets were in pole position to close out the series in Game 6. But the Nets fell flat in the Fiserv Forum.
Given that Kyrie was still missing from the team, and James Harden looked like a shell of himself, the Nets were unable to provide the support to Durant, who scored 32 points along with 11 rebounds. Given the lack of offensive punch in the lineup, the Nets were ultimately ousted 104-89.
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While the Nets will look to make some defensive adjustments, their biggest concern will be their offense. If Harden can improve in Game 7 and provide 25 points or so for the Nets, Brooklyn might have a chance to trump the Bucks.
The Bucks, on the other hand, made a statement with their latest victory. After handing away a 18-point lead in Game 5, the Bucks came out all guns blazing in Game 6.
While the Nets did come close to making a comeback, the Bucks saw Khris Middleton get multiple timely buckets and keep the Nets at bay.
Game 6 certainly was a great display of some resilient defense by the Bucks and some incredible offense by Giannis and Middleton.
If the Bucks can continue to perform at such a high level, then we might Giannis and Co. clinch the series and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Predictions
This Nets and the Bucks match-up has certainly been one of the best series in this season’s Playoffs. While the Nets do have the home-court advantage for Game 7, they have been crippled with multiple injuries.
Given the injury woes and also the resurgence in form of the Bucks in the last 3 games, Giannis and Co. have a very slight edge in this series and are likely to advance to the Conference Finals.
Brooklyn Nets injury updates and lineup prediction
The Nets will miss two players to injuries. Spencer Dinwiddie is sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Starting guard Kyrie Irving is likely out for the rest of the second-round series with an ankle injury.
Probable Lineup
James Harden (G)
Joe Harris (G)
Jeff Green (F)
Kevin Durant (F)
Blake Griffin (C)
Milwaukee Bucks: Injury updates and lineup prediction
The Bucks will also miss two players to injuries. Donte DiVencenzo is out for the rest of the Playoffs due to a foot injury. Jordan Nwora is sidelined with a thigh injury.
Probable Lineup
Jrue Holiday (G)
PJ Tucker (G)
Khris Middleton (F)
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Brook Lopez (C)
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Who do you think will win between the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks? Let us know in the comments below.