Bucks vs. Knicks NBA Betting Odds, Picks: New York opens as massive 15.5-point favourite
The floundering Milwaukee Bucks visit the New York Knicks Tuesday at Madison Square Garden, looking to avoid their seventh consecutive defeat.
After trading former NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Heat over the summer, Milwaukee has endured a disastrous start.
The Bucks fell to 1-9 following Sunday’s 117-97 home loss to Boston.
New York (5-4) has won four of its last five games, including Saturday’s 115-108 road victory over Cleveland.
The Knicks have also won three consecutive home games.
Bucks vs. Knicks NBA Betting Odds
New York enters as a substantial 15.5-point favourite on the NBA odds.
Milwaukee is winless in four road games and has lost six straight overall.
The Bucks average 108.4 points while allowing 121.6 per game, one of the NBA’s worst defensive records.
New York has been considerably stronger defensively, surrendering 104.2 points per contest.
The Knicks won their most recent meeting 127-98 in February and have taken four of the last five matchups.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have struggled at both ends of the floor, with Sunday’s defeat to Boston exposing familiar weaknesses.
Milwaukee briefly led 20-6 before the Celtics took control with an 18-0 run spanning the first two quarters.
Kyle Kuzma scored 27 points, but the Bucks managed only 97 overall.
Myles Turner finished with three points on 1-for-8 shooting.
Turner has made just one of his last 15 field-goal attempts across two games, creating additional problems for Milwaukee’s inconsistent offence.
Tyler Herro scored 23 points against Toronto on Friday, but he is questionable for Tuesday’s game with a right contusion.
Milwaukee has allowed at least 117 points in four of its last six games.
Gary Trent Jr. is dealing with an illness, while Kam Jones has recently been sidelined by an ankle injury.
New York Knicks
The defending champion Knicks have found momentum following a disappointing 1-3 start.
Jalen Brunson recorded 31 points and nine assists on Saturday against Cleveland.
Karl-Anthony Towns added 29 points and 13 rebounds, demonstrating the interior scoring and rebounding Milwaukee could struggle to contain.
Brunson remains New York’s primary offensive creator, while Towns presents a difficult matchup for opposing front-courts.
OG Anunoby added 15 points against Cleveland, and Mikal Bridges provides perimeter defence and offensive versatility.
The Knicks are tied for second in scoring defence, allowing just 104.2 points per game.
However, Josh Hart’s ankle injury remains a concern, potentially affecting New York’s rebounding and rotation depth. He is questionable for this contest.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Bucks vs. Knicks?
Milwaukee’s defensive struggles and offensive inconsistency make this a difficult matchup against an improving New York team.
Brunson and Towns should create significant problems, particularly if Turner continues struggling offensively.
The Knicks also have home-court advantage against a Bucks team that has yet to win on the road.
Expect New York to control the rebounding battle and pull away in the second half.
Best bet: New York Knicks -15.5
MIL
NY