The Knicks and Bucks both had surprising first halves to their respective seasons – but oddsmakers are undeterred as the Bucks host the Knicks on Thursday.
Milwaukee is a double-digit home favourite despite being a bit of a disappointment over the first half of the campaign. The Knicks, meanwhile, might feel a bit disrespected by the spread for this one after going from perennial doormat to the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Bucks come off the break still having the complete confidence of the books – and spreads this big have only made Milwaukee even more appealing. The pre-season Eastern Conference favourites are an incredible 15-4 ATS in their last 19 games when giving 10 or more points, including an 11-4 mark this season. But the Knicks won’t be an easy out here: They’re 5-1 ATS in their last six when receiving double-digit points, including three straight-up wins.
While 64 percent of Sports Interaction respondents like the Knicks’ trend ahead of the Bucks’, a whopping 75 percent of bettors are siding with the Over on the total of 223. New York is 4-1 to the Over in its last five games overall, but 7-1 to the Under in its previous eight away from Madison Square Garden. Looking for a tiebreaker? Consider that the teams have finished below the number in four of their previous six head-to-head meetings.
New York Knicks
For teams coached by Tom Thibodeau, the All-Star break means more than time with family and an opportunity for players to tighten their NBA2K games. New York’s star players – most notably R.J. Barrett and Julius Randle – have a chance to catch a much-needed breather after ranking as two of the most heavily-used players in the league. Randle enters the second half sitting third in the league in minutes played (36.7), behind only James Harden and Fred VanVleet.
Milwaukee Bucks
Going 22-14 in the first half is reason for celebration in most NBA arenas – but not at Fiserv Forum, where the Bucks no longer find themselves as the team to beat in the East. And you shouldn’t expect the Bucks to make many moves to try and improve their roster – not because they’re disinterested, but because they really can’t. Milwaukee has just four draft picks it is permitted to trade, and all four of them are second-round selections.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Knicks vs. Bucks?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 10 Mar 8:35pm | NY | -10.5 -110 | O +222.5 -110 |
| Closing 11 Mar 2:29pm | NY | -10.5 -110 | O +222.5 -110 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Knicks Team Leaders
| Points |
24.11 |
| Assists |
6.01 |
| Rebounds |
10.2 |
| FG% |
71.4 |
| Steals |
1.13 |
| Blocks |
2.2 |
| Points |
28.15 |
| Assists |
6.05 |
| Rebounds |
11 |
| FG% |
62.5 |
| Steals |
1.63 |
| Blocks |
1.47 |
| Points |
19.4 |
| Assists |
5 |
| Rebounds |
11.6 |
| FG% |
60 |
| Steals |
1.6 |
| Blocks |
1 |
| Points |
30.19 |
| Assists |
8.65 |
| Rebounds |
12.81 |
| FG% |
60 |
| Steals |
1.65 |
| Blocks |
1.48 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Bucks Team Leaders
| Points |
24.11 |
| Assists |
6.01 |
| Rebounds |
10.2 |
| FG% |
71.4 |
| Steals |
1.13 |
| Blocks |
2.2 |
| Points |
28.15 |
| Assists |
6.05 |
| Rebounds |
11 |
| FG% |
62.5 |
| Steals |
1.63 |
| Blocks |
1.47 |
| Points |
19.4 |
| Assists |
5 |
| Rebounds |
11.6 |
| FG% |
60 |
| Steals |
1.6 |
| Blocks |
1 |
| Points |
30.19 |
| Assists |
8.65 |
| Rebounds |
12.81 |
| FG% |
60 |
| Steals |
1.65 |
| Blocks |
1.48 |
Injuries
Nerlens Noel (C)
Nerlens Noel (C)
Reggie Bullock (SG)
Derrick Rose (PG)
Immanuel Quickley (SG)
Alec Burks (SG)
Alec Burks (SG)
Norvel Pelle (C)
Nerlens Noel (C)
Taj Gibson (PF)
Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF)
Sam Merrill (PG)
Sam Merrill (PG)
Jordan Nwora (PF)
Donte DiVincenzo (SG)
Jeff Teague (PG)
Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF)
Khris Middleton (SF)
P.J. Tucker (SF)
Khris Middleton (SF)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nerlens Noel (C) | Prob Fri | Ankle - 28 / 05 / 21 | 1-2 | 1-2 | + - |
|
Noel is bothered by a right ankle injury, but it is anticipated that he will face the Hawks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Nerlens Noel (C) | Ques Wed | Ankle - 24 / 05 / 21 | 1-3 | 1-3 | + - |
|
Noel is bothered by a right ankle injury, it is unknown if he will face the Hawks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Reggie Bullock (SG) | Prob Thurs | Ankle - 12 / 05 / 21 | 4-5 | 2-7 | + - |
|
Bullock is battling a right ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will dress for Thursday's clash with the Spurs. |
|||||
| Derrick Rose (PG) | Prob Sat | Ankle - 12 / 05 / 21 | 4-5 | 2-7 | + - |
|
Rose missed the last contest due to to a left ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will face the Hornets on Saturday. |
|||||
| Immanuel Quickley (SG) | Ques Thurs | Ankle - 06 / 05 / 21 | 5-7 | 4-8 | + - |
|
Quickley has missed the last three games due to a left ankle sprain, and it is unclear if he will be available Thursday versus the Spurs. |
|||||
| Alec Burks (SG) | Prob Thurs | Knee - 06 / 05 / 21 | 5-7 | 4-8 | + - |
|
Burks has sat out the previous three games with a left knee contusion, but it is projected that he will suit up Thursday versus the Spurs. |
|||||
| Alec Burks (SG) | Prob Wed | Ankle - 04 / 05 / 21 | 6-7 | 5-8 | + - |
|
Burks was removed from the previous game with an ankle sprain, but it is likely that he will play against the Nuggets on Wednesday. |
|||||
| Norvel Pelle (C) | Prob Wed | Ankle - 04 / 05 / 21 | 6-7 | 5-8 | + - |
|
Pelle is battling a right ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will suit up for Wednesday's battle with the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Nerlens Noel (C) | Prob Wed | Ankle - 03 / 05 / 21 | 6-7 | 5-8 | + - |
|
Noel missed the last game with a sprained left ankle, but it is likely that he will be available Wednesday versus the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Taj Gibson (PF) | Ques Sat | Eye - 21 / 04 / 21 | 10-8 | 8-10 | + - |
|
Gibson exited the last game with a lacerated right eyelid, and it is unknown if he will line up against the Raptors on Saturday. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF) | Out indefinitely | Illness - 17 / 07 / 21 | 2-0 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Antetokounmpo is going through the league's health and safety protocols, and he will miss an undetermined length of time. |
|||||
| Sam Merrill (PG) | Ques Tues | Ankle - 17 / 07 / 21 | 2-0 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Merrill has a sprained right ankle and is questionable for Game 6 of the NBA Final. |
|||||
| Sam Merrill (PG) | Ques Sun | Ankle - 09 / 06 / 21 | 10-7 | 7-8-2 | + - |
|
Merrill is dealing with a right ankle sprain, and it is unknown if he will be in the lineup for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference second round versus the Nets. |
|||||
| Jordan Nwora (PF) | Ques Fri | Thigh - 07 / 06 / 21 | 10-8 | 7-9-2 | + - |
|
Nwora is bothered by a left thigh contusion, and it is unclear if he will partake in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals versus the Hawks. |
|||||
| Donte DiVincenzo (SG) | out for season | Foot - 28 / 05 / 21 | 12-8 | 8-10-2 | + - |
|
DiVincenzo suffered a tendon injury in his left foot and will miss the remainder of the season. |
|||||
| Jeff Teague (PG) | Ques Thurs | Knee - 21 / 05 / 21 | 13-10 | 10-11-2 | + - |
|
Teague is nursing a sore left knee, and it is unknown if he will dress for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Heat. |
|||||
| Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF) | Mid June | Knee - 17 / 05 / 21 | 14-10 | 10-12-2 | + - |
|
Antetokounmpo is battling right patella tendon soreness, and it is anticipated that he will be out until the middle of June. |
|||||
| Khris Middleton (SF) | Ques Sat | Ankle - 16 / 05 / 21 | 14-10 | 10-12-2 | + - |
|
Middleton is dealing with left ankle soreness, and it is unclear if he will take the court against the Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| P.J. Tucker (SF) | Prob Fri | Neck - 06 / 05 / 21 | 14-15 | 14-13-2 | + - |
|
Tucker exited the previous contest with a neck and jaw injury, but it is projected that he will dress for Friday's clash with the Rockets. |
|||||
| Khris Middleton (SF) | Prob Fri | Knee - 05 / 05 / 21 | 15-15 | 14-14-2 | + - |
|
Middleton missed the last game with right knee soreness, but it is likely that he will take on the Rockets on Friday. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 10 Mar 8:35pm NY -10.5 -110 O +222.5 -110 Closing 11 Mar 2:29pm NY -10.5 -110 O +222.5 -110 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Knicks Team Leaders
Points 24.11
Assists 6.01
Rebounds 10.2
FG% 71.4
Steals 1.13
Blocks 2.2
Points 28.15
Assists 6.05
Rebounds 11
FG% 62.5
Steals 1.63
Blocks 1.47
Points 19.4
Assists 5
Rebounds 11.6
FG% 60
Steals 1.6
Blocks 1
Points 30.19
Assists 8.65
Rebounds 12.81
FG% 60
Steals 1.65
Blocks 1.48
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Bucks Team Leaders
Points 24.11
Assists 6.01
Rebounds 10.2
FG% 71.4
Steals 1.13
Blocks 2.2
Points 28.15
Assists 6.05
Rebounds 11
FG% 62.5
Steals 1.63
Blocks 1.47
Points 19.4
Assists 5
Rebounds 11.6
FG% 60
Steals 1.6
Blocks 1
Points 30.19
Assists 8.65
Rebounds 12.81
FG% 60
Steals 1.65
Blocks 1.48
-
Injuries
Nerlens Noel (C)
Prob Fri Ankle - 28 / 05 / 21Nerlens Noel (C)
Ques Wed Ankle - 24 / 05 / 21Reggie Bullock (SG)
Prob Thurs Ankle - 12 / 05 / 21Derrick Rose (PG)
Prob Sat Ankle - 12 / 05 / 21Immanuel Quickley (SG)
Ques Thurs Ankle - 06 / 05 / 21Alec Burks (SG)
Prob Thurs Knee - 06 / 05 / 21Alec Burks (SG)
Prob Wed Ankle - 04 / 05 / 21Norvel Pelle (C)
Prob Wed Ankle - 04 / 05 / 21Nerlens Noel (C)
Prob Wed Ankle - 03 / 05 / 21Taj Gibson (PF)
Ques Sat Eye - 21 / 04 / 21Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF)
Out indefinitely Illness - 17 / 07 / 21Sam Merrill (PG)
Ques Tues Ankle - 17 / 07 / 21Sam Merrill (PG)
Ques Sun Ankle - 09 / 06 / 21Jordan Nwora (PF)
Ques Fri Thigh - 07 / 06 / 21Donte DiVincenzo (SG)
out for season Foot - 28 / 05 / 21Jeff Teague (PG)
Ques Thurs Knee - 21 / 05 / 21Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF)
Mid June Knee - 17 / 05 / 21Khris Middleton (SF)
Ques Sat Ankle - 16 / 05 / 21P.J. Tucker (SF)
Prob Fri Neck - 06 / 05 / 21Khris Middleton (SF)
Prob Fri Knee - 05 / 05 / 21Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Nerlens Noel (C) Prob Fri Ankle - 28 / 05 / 21 1-2 1-2 + - Noel is bothered by a right ankle injury, but it is anticipated that he will face the Hawks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Nerlens Noel (C) Ques Wed Ankle - 24 / 05 / 21 1-3 1-3 + - Noel is bothered by a right ankle injury, it is unknown if he will face the Hawks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Reggie Bullock (SG) Prob Thurs Ankle - 12 / 05 / 21 4-5 2-7 + - Bullock is battling a right ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will dress for Thursday's clash with the Spurs.
Derrick Rose (PG) Prob Sat Ankle - 12 / 05 / 21 4-5 2-7 + - Rose missed the last contest due to to a left ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will face the Hornets on Saturday.
Immanuel Quickley (SG) Ques Thurs Ankle - 06 / 05 / 21 5-7 4-8 + - Quickley has missed the last three games due to a left ankle sprain, and it is unclear if he will be available Thursday versus the Spurs.
Alec Burks (SG) Prob Thurs Knee - 06 / 05 / 21 5-7 4-8 + - Burks has sat out the previous three games with a left knee contusion, but it is projected that he will suit up Thursday versus the Spurs.
Alec Burks (SG) Prob Wed Ankle - 04 / 05 / 21 6-7 5-8 + - Burks was removed from the previous game with an ankle sprain, but it is likely that he will play against the Nuggets on Wednesday.
Norvel Pelle (C) Prob Wed Ankle - 04 / 05 / 21 6-7 5-8 + - Pelle is battling a right ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will suit up for Wednesday's battle with the Nuggets.
Nerlens Noel (C) Prob Wed Ankle - 03 / 05 / 21 6-7 5-8 + - Noel missed the last game with a sprained left ankle, but it is likely that he will be available Wednesday versus the Nuggets.
Taj Gibson (PF) Ques Sat Eye - 21 / 04 / 21 10-8 8-10 + - Gibson exited the last game with a lacerated right eyelid, and it is unknown if he will line up against the Raptors on Saturday.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF) Out indefinitely Illness - 17 / 07 / 21 2-0 1-1 + - Antetokounmpo is going through the league's health and safety protocols, and he will miss an undetermined length of time.
Sam Merrill (PG) Ques Tues Ankle - 17 / 07 / 21 2-0 1-1 + - Merrill has a sprained right ankle and is questionable for Game 6 of the NBA Final.
Sam Merrill (PG) Ques Sun Ankle - 09 / 06 / 21 10-7 7-8-2 + - Merrill is dealing with a right ankle sprain, and it is unknown if he will be in the lineup for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference second round versus the Nets.
Jordan Nwora (PF) Ques Fri Thigh - 07 / 06 / 21 10-8 7-9-2 + - Nwora is bothered by a left thigh contusion, and it is unclear if he will partake in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals versus the Hawks.
Donte DiVincenzo (SG) out for season Foot - 28 / 05 / 21 12-8 8-10-2 + - DiVincenzo suffered a tendon injury in his left foot and will miss the remainder of the season.
Jeff Teague (PG) Ques Thurs Knee - 21 / 05 / 21 13-10 10-11-2 + - Teague is nursing a sore left knee, and it is unknown if he will dress for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Heat.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF) Mid June Knee - 17 / 05 / 21 14-10 10-12-2 + - Antetokounmpo is battling right patella tendon soreness, and it is anticipated that he will be out until the middle of June.
Khris Middleton (SF) Ques Sat Ankle - 16 / 05 / 21 14-10 10-12-2 + - Middleton is dealing with left ankle soreness, and it is unclear if he will take the court against the Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round.
P.J. Tucker (SF) Prob Fri Neck - 06 / 05 / 21 14-15 14-13-2 + - Tucker exited the previous contest with a neck and jaw injury, but it is projected that he will dress for Friday's clash with the Rockets.
Khris Middleton (SF) Prob Fri Knee - 05 / 05 / 21 15-15 14-14-2 + - Middleton missed the last game with right knee soreness, but it is likely that he will take on the Rockets on Friday.