The Brooklyn Nets don’t need anyone to tell them they’re about to be in for a battle with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Any thoughts of the Bucks failing to meet expectations quickly went out the window with a four-game first-round sweep of the Miami Heat. Moreover, the Nets have more than the Greek Freak to concern themselves with in this series.
With the Boston Celtics out of the way, the Nets have been preparing to tip off their Eastern Conference semifinals series against the Bucks, with Game 1 Saturday night at Barclays Center.
Everyone’s been waiting for this matchup. If the Nets are to reach the Conference Finals, and beyond, the Bucks or Philadelphia 76ers were likely going to be in their way.
For the Nets, it’s an opportunity for the Big 3 to build on their impressive first-round showing with dispensing of the Celtics in five games.
And while the Bucks have Giannis Antetokounmpo, they’re also bringing an experienced supporting cast. The additions of Jrue Holiday, Bobby Portis, and P.J. Tucker bring plenty of toughness to the court. Khris Middleton can make opponents pay when too much attention is paid to Antetokounmpo.
And for an added subplot, there’s Brook Lopez. The big man for Milwaukee gets to face his former team in a playoff series.
Player to Watch: The Beard
I’ll save the overanalyzing for everyone else and get right to the nitty gritty. In my opinion, James Harden is the key for the Nets in this series.
Harden’s the engine for this team, he’s what makes them go. His ability to dictate the tempo with his passing and scoring ability is that added extra for the Nets. Harden not only can get his whenever he wants, he also gets the most out of Brooklyn’s supporting cast.
One bullet point I’ll pay close attention to, however, is the only one out of the Big 3 Milwaukee saw all season was Kevin Durant. They’re getting a mostly healthy Nets team for this series. Forward Jeff Green is currently out with a strained plantar fascia. The veteran big man reportedly is expected to return at some point in this series.
Another bullet point for me is getting Antetokounmpo on the foul line. Can he knock down clutch free throws? I’d be looking to put him on the line and see if he can prove me wrong.
Predicting the showdown
This series is going seven games, so strap in for the long haul. Milwaukee is experienced, battle-tested, and tougher than they were a year ago. Their size up front will make it tough on Brooklyn in the paint and under the rim.
The Nets, however, when it’s all said and done still have three of the most talented offensive players in the world, also with a fearless supporting cast. It should be enough to overcome Milwaukee, but they’re going to have to work for it.
Prediction: Brooklyn in 7
Image: (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
