clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Nets and Bucks play the second half of a home and home set

By Brian Fleurantin

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

NBA: Milwaukee Bucks at Dallas Mavericks Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

That was an unpleasant way to begin the new month. After beating the Clippers on Tuesday, the Nets tried to make it two straight vs the Bucks. Unfortunately for the Nets, they got beat down in front of the home crowd and Bill Clinton. On the bright side, a couple got engaged so the night wasn’t a total loss.

The Bucks will be the opponent again this evening. After this one, the schedule will get tougher throughout December.

Where to follow the game

YES Network on TV and WFAN 101.9 FM on radio. We’re starting a bit early so tip off is after 5 PM.

Injuries

Jeremy Lin is still out. So is Caris LeVert.

Nothing new for the Bucks.

The game

Milwaukee won the first game in October and the second one on Thursday.

The big news surrounding the Nets is the possible acquisition of free agent Rockets forward Donatas Montiejunas. We’ll keep you updated as that story unfolds.

It’s been a problem for years, and it doesn’t appear that the Nets’ third quarter woes will be solved any time soon. The Nets have been outscored by an astonishing 28.6 points per 100 possessions in third quarters, worst in the league. Kenny Atkinson is thinking of changing his rotations around to prevent his team from falling behind, and whatever he can do to help will be appreciated by Nets fans.

Rondae Hollis Jefferson is back and the Nets will gradually look to build his minutes. Having RHJ back gives Brooklyn another capable ball handler and someone who can help find quality looks for his teammates. He played 17 minutes on Saturday and it's safe to expect him to play close to the same amount tonight.

The Nets will get one more chance to try to slow Giannis Antetokounmpo down. Giannis is a league pass favorite and quickly becoming one of the better players in the league. Even with the increased scoring responbilities, the other parts of his game haven't slowed down. He tends to turn the ball over a decemt amount, and that's Brooklyn's best hope of forcing him into a poor game.

Player to watch: Greg Monroe

When Monroe chose the Bucks over the Knicks back in 2015, he was expected to be a solid building block for a young team on the rise. Milwaukee had just made the playoffs and played the Bulls competitively for five games (let's pretend Game Six never happened). One year and a disappointing debut season later, he’s stuck on the bench. But as it turns out, maybe that demotion was a blessing in disguise. Although his minutes are at a career low, he’s done a better job of rebounding and setting up teammates when he’s on the court. And most amazingly, he’s shooting 90 percent from the free throw line (he’s a career 70 percent foul shooter). There's still questions about how he will fit in Jason Kidd's plans, but he's still a nice option to have on your roster.

Brook Lopez will be the center of attention for the Nets offense. Even with the increase in three point shooting, there have been too many moments when Lopez has disappeared on offense. Some of that can be attributed to his teammates trying to do too much on their own, and some of it is a result of defenses adjusting and taking Brook out of games. The Nets need more from Lopez if they plan on winning with Lin out.

From the Vault

With Russell Westbrook on a triple double streak right now, it’s as good a time as any to learn more about one of the most important players in league history, Oscar Robertson.

More reading: Brew Hoop

More From NetsDaily