Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks Prediction, NBA Odds
This is an NBA Cup game in Group C of the Eastern Conference, and both teams are sporting a 2-1 round-robin record. This matchup will go a long way toward determining who advances to the quarterfinals.
These two teams most recently squared off exactly one month ago in Milwaukee, where the Bucks prevailed 121-111. The Knicks had previously won five straight games in the head-to-head series.
Bucks vs. Knicks NBA Betting Odds
Milwaukee is 1-5 against the spread in its last six overall, 2-8 ATS in its last 10 and 3-11 ATS in its last 14. New York is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games, including 6-1 ATS in its last seven at home. The Knicks are also 5-1 ATS in the last six head-to-head meetings. As for the over/under, the over is 9-5 in New York’s last 14 overall and 5-1 in the last six H2H.
In addition to the more traditional lines, the Bucks’ team total is set at 113.5 (over -114, under -106) and the Knicks’ team total is 121.5 (over -106, under -114).
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have not just been bad against the spread in recent weeks – they have been losing games straight up left and right. Head coach Doc Rivers’ squad is in the midst of a disastrous six-game losing streak. During this stretch, it has scored more than 106 points in regulation only once. The Bucks have earned a mere two road victories this entire month and have not won away from home since November 10.
Milwaukee does have a legitimate excuse, however. Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a groin injury on November 17 and has not played since. He is listed as questionable for Friday. Missing Antetokounmpo’s services would obviously blow, as the former NBA MVP and NBA Finals MVP averages 31.2 points, 10.8 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game. Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) could return on Saturday, but is out for this matchup.
New York Knicks
Star guard Jalen Brunson has heated up nicely over the past two weeks. The Villanova product has scored at least 27 points in six consecutive contests, including performances of 33, 33, 32 and 31 points. He has delivered three double-doubles dating back to November 5 and has shot 50 percent or better from the floor in three straight outings.
Brunson really has no choice but to pick up the slack with OG Anunoby sidelined. Anunoby (15.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg) sustained a hamstring injury on November 14 and won’t return until sometime in December. With the versatile forward unavailable, Josh Hart is logging huge minutes at multiple positions. Prior to November 14, Hart did not play more than 30 minutes in any game this season. Including the game in which Anunoby went down, Hart has logged 34, 34, 30, 29, 38 and 34 minutes in his last six appearances.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Bucks vs. Knicks?
Proceed with caution until Antetokounmpo’s status is confirmed, but he seems to be trending toward remaining out. Friday’s’ spread, which prices Milwaukee as a +7.5 underdog, seems to indicate as much. The Bucks’ roster is thoroughly unspectacular without its best player and they have struggled mightily on the road, so this is a tough spot for them in Madison Square Garden. Let’s go with the Knicks to win 120-110.
MIL
NY