This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
Bucks to win (-134) at BKN -- DraftKings (2:55 PM CT)
Even with James Harden possibly returning, I doubt he'd be close to 100 percent. If he plays, the Bucks certainly still have a good chance to win. The Bucks adjusted their gameplan in Game 4, settling for fewer jumpers (especially from Giannis) and running more pick-and-roll. I think they'll continue to perfect their offense, and I'm not sure Brooklyn has an effective response.
Nick Whalen
Bucks -4.0 (-112) at BKN -- DraftKings (11:45 AM CT)
With no Kyrie Irving or James Harden, this is a game the Bucks should absolutely win, but they're still struggling to find a groove offensively, so I'm not expecting a blowout. Kevin Durant should be able to keep the Nets within striking distance, but at the end of the day, the gap in talent is slanted too heavily in favor of Milwaukee.
Player parlay: Khris Middleton OVER 22 points + Bucks win (+160) -- DraftKings
For the last few seasons, the Bucks' success is often dictated by whether or not Middleton is running hot. When he plays well, it unlocks so much for the rest of the offense. After a disastrous start to the series, Middleton played much better in Game 3 and got off to a nice start in Game 4. He appears to have his confidence back (nine made threes over the last three games), so I like his chances to play well and help lead Milwaukee to a 3-2 advantage.
