Milwaukee Bucks: 3 things to watch for against the New York Knicks

How will the New York Knicks’ new additions look against the Milwaukee Bucks?

Both the Bucks and Knicks made some notable moves this past offseason, and fans will see it as these two teams go head-to-head for the first time this season.

The Knicks made noise by signing both Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier to substantial deals and also re-signing Alec Burks and Derrick Rose to multi-year contracts. These moves have paid early dividends for New York, as Walker and Fournier have combined for 30 points a game over the first eight games. Combined with Julius Randle continuing to play at an All-Star level and their solid supporting cast, the Knicks have had a very formidable offense this year.

Although New York’s offense has improved drastically from last year, their defense has fallen off, with them going from fourth in defensive rating last year to 25th this year. This is likely due in part to Walker and Fournier not being great individual defenders in their own rights. It will be an interesting development to see how they hold up against the Bucks.

This game will give both Grayson Allen and Jrue Holiday great opportunities to attack off the dribble, especially Jrue, assuming his ankle is okay. If they in fact do attack Fournier and Walker off the dribble often, this will open up more outside looks for the Bucks’ knockdown shooters off of the dribble penetration. Pat Connaughton, Nwora, Bobby Portis, and even Antetokounmpo should be getting ample catch and shoot three opportunities. It should be very interesting to see how these dynamics play out Friday night.