Milwaukee Bucks (20-16) vs. NY Knicks (25-14)
January 12, 2025 3:00 pm EDT
The Line: NY Knicks -3.5; Over/Under: 227.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Milwaukee Bucks and NY Knicks meet Sunday in NBA action at Madison Square Garden. Here’s a Knicks vs Bucks Prediction. This article will include a Knicks vs Bucks Pick.
Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview
The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Magic and Spurs, and they play the Kings, Magic, and Raptors next. The Milwaukee Bucks are averaging 112.9 points on 47.9 percent shooting and allowing 110.7 points on 45 percent shooting. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 31.7 points and 11.9 rebounds, while Damian Lillard is averaging 24.9 points and 4.4 rebounds. Bobby Portis is the third double-digit scorer and Brook Lopez is grabbing 4.8 rebounds. The Milwaukee Bucks are shooting 38.8 percent from beyond the arc and 73 percent from the free throw line. The Milwaukee Bucks are allowing 35.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.8 rebounds per game.
NY Knicks Betting Preview
The NY Knicks lost to the Thunder, beat the Raptors, and they play the Pistons, 76ers, and Timberwolves next. The NY Knicks are averaging 116.6 points on 49.3 percent shooting and allowing 110.6 points on 46.7 percent shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 25.3 points and 13.9 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson is averaging 25.1 points and 7.5 assists. Mikal Bridges is the third double-digit scorer and OG Anunoby is grabbing 4.8 rebounds. The NY Knicks are shooting 37.3 percent from beyond the arc and 80.6 percent from the free throw line. The NY Knicks are allowing 37.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.2 rebounds per game.
Why the New York Knicks will win
- The Knicks have won each of their last nine games as home favorites following a home loss.
- The Bucks have lost nine of their last 10 road games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Bucks have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six Sunday games as road underdogs.
- The Knicks have covered the spread in each of their last three games against the Bucks.
Why the Milwaukee Bucks will win
- The Knicks have lost each of their last four games as favorites against Central Division opponents.
- The Bucks have won three of their last four games as road underdogs against the Knicks.
- The Knicks have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight home games on the first leg of a back-to-back against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Bucks have covered the spread in four of their last five games as underdogs.
New York Knicks Player Facts
- Karl-Anthony Towns ranks 1st in the league for second-chance points (158) this season.
- Josh Hart ranks 1st amongst qualified Guards for rebounds per game (9.2) this season.
Milwaukee Bucks Player Facts
- Taurean Prince ranks 2nd in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for 3P% (45.1%) this season.
- Brook Lopez ranks 2nd in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for Blocks Per Game (1.9) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Knicks rank 1st in the league for opponent rebounds per game this season (40.9).
- The Knicks rank 2nd in the league for opponent steals per game this season (6.9).
- The Bucks rank 30th in the league for offensive rebounds per game this season (8.3).
- The Bucks rank 1st in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (3.9).
Knicks vs Bucks Prediction
The NY Knicks have been the more consistent team this season, and they’re going to be favored more times than not at home. However, the Knicks have lost four of their last five games and two of those losses they were comfortable favorites. The Knicks just got their boots smoked in a big home game against the Thunder. The Milwaukee Bucks are as healthy as they’ve been all season with the return of Middleton, and they’ve won three straight games. The Bucks have won seven of the last 10 games against the Knicks, and I question if there’s enough size to bother Antetokounmpo. With no Mitchell Robinson, this is a spot where The Greek Freak could go crazy. Give me the points in a game the Bucks could win outright. Should be a fun one early Sunday.
