Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
This late-season Eastern Conference matchup pits the lottery-bound Brooklyn Nets against a Milwaukee Bucks team that has underperformed all year but still holds a better record. Both clubs have been eliminated from playoff contention, turning this contest into a battle for pride, draft positioning, and evaluation of young talent at Fiserv Forum. The Nets are on the road for the second night of a back-to-back after a tough stretch, while the Bucks aim to close the home schedule on a positive note.
Injury Report
Brooklyn Nets:
Dennis Schröder (PG) – Out (groin)
Cam Thomas (SG) – Out for season (knee)
Ben Simmons (PG) – Out (back)
Noah Clowney (PF) – Out (ankle)
Multiple two-way/G-League call-ups filling the roster.
Milwaukee Bucks:
Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF) – Questionable (right calf tightness – limited in recent practices)
Damian Lillard (PG) – Questionable (ankle)
Khris Middleton (SF) – Out (wrist)
Pat Connaughton (SG) – Out (calf)
Milwaukee’s injury list is particularly impactful if Giannis and Lillard are limited or sit, further thinning an already inconsistent rotation. Brooklyn is extremely short-handed and reliant on youth and depth players.
Player Matchups & Probable Starters
BKN Probable Starters: Keon Johnson (SG), Ziaire Williams (SF), Nic Claxton (C), plus young pieces like Jalen Wilson (PF) and rotation guards.
MIL Probable Starters: (TBD pending Giannis/Lillard status) – Damian Lillard (PG – if active), Gary Trent Jr. (SG), plus frontcourt depth around Bobby Portis or MarJon Beauchamp.
Key Matchups:
Young Nets wings vs. Bucks perimeter: Brooklyn’s athletic group (Johnson, Williams) will try to exploit any defensive lapses, but Milwaukee’s length (even without Middleton) creates mismatches.
Nic Claxton vs. Milwaukee frontcourt: Claxton’s rim protection is one of Brooklyn’s few bright spots, but he faces a depleted Bucks interior that still features size and rebounding.
Bench/Depth: Both teams are thin, but Milwaukee’s veteran experience (Portis, Trent) gives them a slight edge in second-unit execution if the stars play.
If Giannis sits or is limited, the matchup becomes even more favorable for Brooklyn’s youth movement to compete.
Recent Team Forms
Nets (2-8 in last 10): Brooklyn has shown occasional flashes from their young core but continues to struggle with consistency and defensive effort, dropping most recent games by double digits.
Bucks (3-7 in last 10): Milwaukee has been streaky at best, with wins mixed against lottery teams but losses to stronger squads. Home games have offered slightly better results, but injuries have derailed momentum.
Series History
Milwaukee leads the 2025-26 season series 3-1 (most recent: 118-109 Bucks win on March 12 in Brooklyn). The Bucks have taken 8 of the last 10 meetings overall, with games at Fiserv Forum typically resulting in comfortable home victories when healthy. This is the final 2025-26 matchup between the teams.
Betting Trends
Milwaukee is strong as home favorites against lottery teams; totals have gone UNDER in 6 of Brooklyn’s last 9 road games. Bucks cover the spread at a solid rate when Giannis plays.
Game Odds
Brooklyn Nets 218.5
Milwaukee Bucks – 10.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 9, 2026
