Milwaukee Bucks Game Preview: Jan. 4 at New York Knicks

Major Key For New York: Be Careful On Offense

This works even if Porzingis suits up, but if he doesn’t the Knicks have to be especially careful with the ball. New York can’t win when the opposition scores a ton of points, and the fastest way to give up points to the Bucks is via fast break opportunities.

Carmelo will have trouble stopping Giannis one-on-one in half-court sets, but there aren’t many defenders in the NBA who can slow down the Greek Freak in transition. Melo definitely is not one of them.

Giannis, Jabari, Greg Monroe, Malcolm Brogdon and other Bucks are all constantly looking to poke the ball loose. Milwaukee is well-aware that their not-so-secret weapon is Giannis charging down the floor, and his ability to get from the three-point line to the rim in about three steps means it takes an army to stop him when he’s got space and speed.

If the Knicks let Giannis and Jabari get the ball in transition often, this game might already be sealed. There’s just no stopping those two in fast breaks. New York has Porzingis, but otherwise the Knicks aren’t exactly young and spry.