3 Bold Predictions for Nets vs. Bucks on Opening Night

The NBA season's return has graciously gifted us two outstanding matchups to get bettors all lathered up and ready to go.

Before the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers tip-off from Staples Center in L.A, we get an Eastern Conference Semifinals rematch between the Brooklyn Nets and defending champion Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

It's basically a near pick 'em over at WynnBET, with the Bucks currently listed as 1-point favorites and -120 on the moneyline. The Nets are even money to win straight up and the total has moved down from 237.5 to 233, with -110 odds on both the over and under.

A bold matchup for the season opener deserves some bold picks! Let's get to it.

Nets at Bucks Bold Predictions for NBA Season Opener

• Kevin Durant OVER 30.5 Points (-130)
• Joe Harris OVER 11.5 Points (-125)
• Nets Win by 3-6 Points (+630)

Kevin Durant Revenge Game is Coming

Our Peter Dewey wrote up how James Harden's point total is the prop he's focused on tonight, but I think Harden is more likely to be the assist man with Jrue Holiday attempting to lock him up. Durant showed that even with P.J. Tucker swarming him in the postseason last year, he remains the most unguardable player in the league when healthy. Also, Tucker has taken his talents to South Beach this season, so that's one less defensive specialist Durant needs to concern himself with.

I'll buy into the revenge game narrative, especially knowing that Brooklyn will need him to be the guy to take over late in what's expected to be a close ballgame.

"Regular Joe" Should Return to Form

If it's the regular season, then there's a good chance Joe Harris returns to form for Brooklyn. The sharpshooter shot 47.5% from three in the regular season before his numbers took a dive in the playoffs. Look for Steve Nash to dial up some plays to get Harris in rhythm early in the game.

Harris is projected for only 11.5 points at WynnBET for this evening. I'd be surprised if he doesn't get to double digits by halftime.

Nets Come Back to Pull off the Upset by 3-6 Points (+630)

While bettors can absolutely back the Nets at even money to win straight up, I think the Nets make a few extra free throws down the stretch to boost their margin of victory, giving us an opportunity to not only cash in on a win, but nail down a fairly common point expectancy.

In fact, during the East Semifinals last year, three of the seven games played all ended between 3-6 points as the margin of victory. With a spread so close, as long as we're on the right side for Brooklyn in a close game, I think we can get a great value for a fairly common number.