The Milwaukee Bucks are coming off a thrilling victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night, led by an incredible performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo. After a sloppy first half by Antetokounmpo and the entire Bucks team, the Bucks and Antetokounmpo specifically, dominated in the second half as the Bucks secured a 110-99 win.
The Bucks look to maintain their undefeated record on Friday against the New York Knicks. The Bucks and Knicks are two teams that have something motivating them this season. Milwaukee looks to get back to the top of the NBA world after failing to defend their title last season. After missing the playoffs last season, New York will try to return to the form of the season prior, where they were the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Here is everything you need to know for Friday night’s matchup.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks: Odds, Spread, Over/Under
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Bucks are favored by seven points over the Knicks at home. The money lines are -275 for the Bucks and +225 for the Knicks. The over/under for the game is set a 223.5. Don’t blame me if you lose, but the books favor the Bucks in this matchup.
Milwaukee Bucks injury report vs. New York Knicks
The injury report looks clear for the Bucks, other than the three players who have been there for the entire season. Pat Connaughton, Joe Ingles, and Khris Middleton are all out for the Bucks while recovering from injuries. Connaughton and Middleton have the potential to return soon, while Ingles is expected to return sometime near January.
Predictions for Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks
Something will have to give in this matchup, with the league’s best defense going up against one of the league’s best offenses. The Bucks have the best team defensive rating in the NBA and have given up the fewest points per game of any defense in the NBA, per NBA.com/stats. Meanwhile, the Knicks are coming in having scored the second most points per game in the league, averaging 122.8 points per contest.
The Bucks will have their work cut out against a scrappy Knicks team. Over the years, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau’s teams have gained a reputation for playing hard and being physical. This Knicks team is no different.
After scoring at will against a weak Nets defense in the second half on Wednesday, the Bucks will be faced with a much more difficult task against the Knicks’ defense. Luckily for Milwaukee, their roster also fits the mold of a tough and physical team.
I expect this to be a hard-fought game that will go back and forth until late. The Bucks will ultimately pull away with a grueling victory due to having better talent and more depth.
Bucks 106, Knicks 98
How to watch Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks
The game can be seen on Bally Sports Wisconsin at 7:00 PM CT.
How to stream Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks
You can get a free trial on Bally Sports + if you’re interested in streaming the game or NBA League Pass if you’re out of the market.
*Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Stay tuned for more with the Bucks officially in gear.