Milwaukee Bucks vs Brooklyn Nets Prediction: Combined starting 5 featuring Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo

Small Forward - Kris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks)

Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks

Between the eight All-Stars throughout the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks roster, Kris Middleton takes the small forward spot in this combined starting five.

Middleton has been on a tear to start the year, producing 21.8 points on 52% shooting, 6.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists, all career highs.

The versatile forward has established himself as one of the top 25 players in the league due to his ability to score from anywhere on the court, proving his two-year All-Star run was not a fluke.

Jeff Van Gundy on Khris Middleton - "I'm tired of people saying he's having a good year. He's a great offensive player, great, not good, he's absolutely a spectacular offensive player."

— Kane Pitman (@KanePitman) January 16, 2021

Power forward - Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets)

Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets

Kevin Durant has looked unstoppable in his first month back after missing the entire 2019-20 season due to an Achilles injury.

The two-time finals MVP is the first player in Brooklyn Nets history to begin a season scoring 20 points or more in 10 straight games, via NBA on ESPN,

Kevin Durant is the first player in Nets history to begin the season with 10 straight 20-point games 👏 pic.twitter.com/kmS8sdlBy4

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 17, 2021

Not only is Durant surpassing his incredible high expectations in his 13th season, but he is also scoring 30.7 points per game on 54.8% shooting, the highest point total since his 2014 MVP season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Center - Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34

Giannis Antetokounmpo gets the nod at the center position in our combined starting five between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Brooklyn Nets.

The Greek Freak typically plays in the power forward position. Still, his versatility allows him to play several roles. To ensure that we have the best possible starting five, we placed him in the center position.

Giannis continues to impress in his eighth season. He is producing another MVP-caliber season, averaging 26.6 points, 10 rebounds and 5.2 assists. However, he is struggling from the free-throw line this season, shooting a career-worst, 57.5%.

---