The Nets play host to Giannis and the Bucks, and it’s a battle between teams on opposite sides of the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

HOME TEAM: Brooklyn Nets (18-22, 11-9 at home)

It’s been a very disappointing campaign for the Brooklyn Nets, who have lost nine of their last 11 games. All of those losses have come by 10 or more points and they are also turning the ball over 15.1 times per game during that span.

Kyrie Irving, as you know, has returned from a shoulder injury. He’ll be in his fourth game back and will be on the heels of a terrible performance after looking good in the previous two. He only scored 14 points on 6-for-21 shooting during Thursday’s 117-106 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Nets’ All-Star guard grabbed the NBA headlines just days ago when he called out the shortage of talent in the team. It wasn’t a good look and it could brew something negative inside the Nets locker room.

Irving leads the Nets in scoring at 27.2 PPG, and he has Spencer Dinwiddie (22.1 PPG), Caris LeVert (15.4 PPG), Joe Harris 14 PPG, Taurean Prince (12.3 PPG) as his supporting cast. DeAndre Jordan (finger) and Garrett Temple (knee) are both questionable for the game.

ROAD TEAM: Milwaukee Bucks (37-6, 17-4 on the road)

The Milwaukee Bucks are winners of five-straight games and still a couple of games ahead for the best overall record in the league. Their defense has held three of those five opponents to under 39% shooting, while the first-ranked offense is on a whole new level over the past week, scoring 126.3 points per game in the past four contests.

Reigning Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo is in MVP mode as usual. He’s averaging all-around numbers (30.1 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 55.2 FG%). Look for him to stay unforgiving towards any defense that he faces.

The Greek Freak’s number one partner in crime, Khris Middleton, should remain a force as well. The 28-year-old’s production has been pretty scattered as well and he’s posting 22.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists on 50%-shooting in his last 12 outings.

PREDICTION:

Giannis and Middleton have a strong night and lead the Bucks to 120-110 victory. They should be able to overpower the depleted and downtrending Nets.