Brooklyn Nets. Milwaukee Bucks. Game Seven.
After an incredible six games, it comes down to just one, with a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals on the line. Our NBA picks have the best preview, analysis and predictions for tonight’s clash, giving you everything you need before placing your bets!
Milwaukee Bucks @ Brooklyn Nets (Game 7) – 8:30pm EDT
The Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks will go to war for a seventh straight game, giving the fans what they deserve and keeping us on the edges of our seats until the very end. After the Bucks blew an opportunity to steal the series in game five, they made sure to extend the series on Thursday night, comfortably beating the Nets 104-89.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored first in the game, setting the tone for the Bucks in what ended up being their easiest win of the series. He finished with 30 points and 17 rebounds but the star of the show was Khris Middleton. Despite often being criticized for being an inadequate second star, Middleton thrived in every aspect on Thursday.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton tonight:
– Giannis: 30 Points – 17 Points – 60% FG
– Khris: 38 Points – 10 Rebounds – 68% FG
Game 7 in Brooklyn. 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/YV6ZrywYq9
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 18, 2021
With his game high 38 points, Middleton became the first player in NBA Playoffs history to finish with 30+ points, 10+ rebounds, 5+ assists, 5+ steals and 5+ three pointers in a truly memorable all around performance. This issue is, he has underperformed in the three games in Brooklyn so far and will need to bring the effort he displayed in game six again tonight if the Bucks are any chance.
That is because, outside of Antetokounmpo, Middleton and Jrue Holiday, who had a postseason high 21 points, the rest of the Bucks combined for just 15 points. That is a horrifyingly low number, meaning the Bucks’ ‘Big Three’ will have to be at their best tonight to be able to overcome the Nets.
In saying that, Brooklyn’s supporting cast hasn’t been all that great either, with Joe Harris, who led the NBA in three point shooting during the regular season going just 5-24 from deep over the last four games. He, Landry Shamet and Jeff Green combined for just 16 points on Thursday, in what was the Nets’ second lowest scoring game of the entire postseason. Surprisingly, Blake Griffin has actually had a great series through, often being the third man up for Brooklyn and showed that with 12 points on Thursday.
Kevin Durant, albeit not the same heights of game five, was once again on fire for Brooklyn, keeping them in the game with a team high 32 points, scoring 19 of those in the second half. Unfortunately for the Nets, the next highest scorer was James Harden, who is obviously still hampered by his hamstring injury, who had 16. This is obviously better than his five points in game five and the Nets will be hoping that he keeps on improving, both physically and performance-wise.
Joe Harris is 5-24 (20.8%) from three in the last 4 games. pic.twitter.com/UpBjCE6O0J
— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 18, 2021
The fact that we are back in Brooklyn has to give them the edge in this one. They are still a perfect 6-0 at home this postseason and Tuesday’s game five performance proved that home court advantage definitely plays a part in determining the outcome. In saying that, Kevin Durant’s 49 points determined that outcome and with the Bucks playing much better defense on him in game six, we don’t think he will be able to do that.
Harden is nowhere near at 100% and Kyrie Irving will continue to be in street clothes, so Milwaukee has the perfect opportunity to strike. We said this going into game five and were stunned by KD, but this time Giannis and the Bucks know what they need to do.
NBA Pick – Milwaukee Bucks (-102)
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of publication, courtesy of FanDuel.
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