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The home team has held serve in the highly-anticipated Bucks–Nets Eastern Conference semifinal series. It shifts back to Brooklyn for Game 5 on Tuesday night and the big question is whether the injured Kyrie Irving and/or James Harden will play for the Nets. Oddsmakers must not think so as Brooklyn is a home dog.

How to Bet Bucks at Nets NBA Odds & TV Info

When: Tuesday, 8:30 PM ET
Where: Barclays Center
TV: TNT
Stream: TNT app
Radio:com

Why Bet on Milwaukee? | NBA Betting

The Bucks took advantage of the Nets not having James Harden in Game 4 on Sunday and then losing fellow All-Star Kyrie Irving fairly early with an ankle injury to win 107-96 and tie this series at 2-2.

Giannis Antetokounmpo hit 14-of-26 shots for 34 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and a block. The two-time MVP was aggressive from the start, as he relentlessly drove to the rim and drew his most free throw attempts since Game 1 against Miami (12 FTA). While Antetokounmpo was dominant in the paint, he continues to struggle from deep where he’s just 5-of-37 through eight postseason contests.

Milwaukee got good looks out of pick-and-rolls with Antetokounmpo as the screener, sometimes in random situations and on the side rather than as the first action and in the middle of the floor.

P.J. Tucker hit 5-of-8 shots and three 3-pointers for 13 points, seven rebounds, an assist and a steal in 29 minutes. He played tremendous defense against Kevin Durant today and KD hit just 3-of-12 shots while the veteran was guarding him. Tucker had scored a total of nine points in his previous three playoff games and the 13 points are the most he’s scored in a Bucks’ uniform since joining the team back in March.

In this series, Tucker has done his part defensively to keep Durant in check, surrendering 49 points on 20-of-44 shooting from the floor, including just 4-of-14 from downtown across 111.1 partial possessions. Durant has also coughed up six turnovers with Tucker as the primary defender.

Jrue Holiday finished Game 4 with 14 points on 6-for-16 shooting, including just 2-for-7 from deep. Despite his shooting woes, Holiday showcased his masterful playmaking throughout the contest as he finished with nine assists to just one turnover. Khris Middleton added 19 points.

Why Bet on Brooklyn? | NBA Betting

As of this writing, we still don’t know whether James Harden or Kyrie Irving will play in Game 5 but it’s not likely. Harden left Game 1 very early with a hamstring injury and Irving sprained his ankle in ugly fashion in the Game 4 loss.

Irving had 11 points and five rebounds when he left the game with 5:52 remaining in the first half and the Nets trailing 44-40 after his right foot landed on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s foot as he landed after making a layup. The impact was severe enough that Irving reflexively lifted his injured ankle and collapsed on his side with the full weight of his body instead. Irving was in a walking boot and using crutches, and X-rays were negative after the game.

“I have no idea what is going to happen with Ky in the coming days,” said Nets head coach Steve Nash postgame. “We will cross our fingers and hope that it is better than I don’t know — better than what? — better than missing the next game?”

Nash said Irving’s ankle injury will not impact Harden’s potential return: “I think it’s an independent case. I don’t want James to be rushed back,” Nash said. “If he’s able to play next game and the game after, that’s fantastic.” Prior to Game 4, Nash said Harden has a “gap to make up” before returning and that he wanted him to get in several full practices before clearance.

If these players are sidelined, look for Brooklyn to turn toward Mike James and Landry Shamet for more playing time while Durant tries to carry the offense.

Durant hit just nine of 25 shots and 1-for-8 from deep for 28 points, 13 rebounds and five assists in Game 4. Durant got his numbers, but it wasn’t an easy afternoon for the two-time Finals MVP, who was endlessly harassed by P.J. Tucker and needed 25 shots to get to 28 points. Overall, the Nets shot just 43.4 percent and 30.3 percent from 3-point range.

Jeff Green finished Sunday’s Game 4 against Milwaukee with eight points, five rebounds and an assist. Making his return from a six-game injury absence, Green didn’t have a major impact, but it was encouraging that he did not appear to face any limitations. The veteran led all Nets reserves in minutes (27).

Game Trends

Bucks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Bucks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Bucks are 17-8 ATS in their last 25 Tuesday games.
Nets are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 home games.
Nets are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 playoff games as an underdog.
Nets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog.