Game Preview
The Brooklyn Nets (10-13) look to build on their recent victory as they host the Milwaukee Bucks (11-11) in an intriguing matchup on Sunday. While the Nets have struggled to find consistency, hovering around a 43.5% win rate, the Bucks have been a shade above .500 on the season.
Brooklyn's offense has been a bright spot, averaging nearly 110 points per game behind solid shooting numbers - a 46% field goal percentage and just under 38% from three-point range. However, their defensive struggles have persisted, allowing 113.7 points on average. The Nets will need to tighten up on that end to keep pace with Milwaukee's potent scoring attack, which hovers around 113 points per contest.
Over the last 10 games, Brooklyn has gone 5-5 while improving their shooting percentages to just under 46% from the field and nearly 40% from deep. They've also grabbed almost 37 rebounds and dished out 25.8 assists per game during this stretch. If the Nets can maintain this level of offensive execution while finding a way to slow down the Bucks, they could pull off the home win.
Milwaukee, meanwhile, has been one of the league's hotter teams, going 7-3 over their last 10 games behind a blistering 49.3% shooting clip and a 43.4% mark from beyond the arc. They've been particularly impressive on the glass, corralling nearly 43 rebounds per contest, led by their formidable frontcourt. The Bucks will look to continue their strong form, which has them sitting at 11-11 despite some early season struggles.
Key Matchup: Milwaukee's three-point shooting vs. Brooklyn's perimeter defense. If the Bucks catch fire from deep, they could run away with this one. But if the Nets can run them off the line and force tough twos, they'll give themselves a chance at home.