Nets vs Bucks Preview: Rebuild vs Run for Playoffs Hope

Brooklyn travels to Milwaukee on Friday in Week 25 of the 2025 season. The Nets are rebuilding, focusing on young guards and draft position while many veterans rest. Brooklyn sits near the bottom of the conference and has several players out for the season, including Michael Porter Jr. and Egor Demin. Milwaukee will also be without Giannis, who is sidelined with a knee injury, so both teams must adapt.

Milwaukee tries to plug gaps without Giannis, while the Nets lean on youth and bench depth. Myles Turner gives Milwaukee rim protection and three-point spacing, and Ryan Rollins adds sudden scoring bursts. Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton might miss, which could open minutes for Trevon Scott and E.J. Liddell. Cam Thomas joined Milwaukee after Brooklyn waived him, and his scoring ability can change the game quickly when he gets hot.

Expect a messy, physical game with lots of lineup changes and young players getting chances. Brooklyn wants experience and better draft positioning, while Milwaukee needs wins to stay competitive without Giannis. Cam Thomas could be a wild card because he scores in bunches when on fire. Coaches will test rotations, and fans should watch bench players who might earn bigger roles next season as teams plan ahead.