The New York Knicks invade the Fiserv Forum to take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. Here’s a Bucks vs. Knicks prediction. This article will include a Bucks vs. Knicks pick.
New York Knicks Betting Preview
The New York Knicks have been in decent form recently as they’ve split their last eight games, but they will be looking to bounce back in this one after having their two-game win streak snapped by the Cavaliers in a 109-104 road defeat on Tuesday. Jalen Brunson led the team with 20 points, Mikal Bridges added 18 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in with 14 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. As a team, the Knicks shot just 41 percent from the field and 10 of 37 from the 3-point line as they struggled to contain the Cavaliers from the start and quickly fell behind after allowing 35 points in the first quarter and things went from bad to worse in the third quarter where the Knicks managed just 11 points to trail by as many as 20 points in this one.
Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks have been in great form as they’ve won eight of their last 10 games overall and they will be aiming for a third straight victory after sneaking past the Cavaliers in a 118-116 home win on Wednesday. Kevin Porter Jr. led the team with 20 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and five steals; Ryan Rollins added 18 points with nine assists, while Kyle Kuzma chipped in with 17 points and five assists. As a team, the Bucks shot a healthy 55 percent from the field and 19 of 45 from the 3-point line as they looked to be in trouble after they squandered an early 12-point lead, but they kept pace with the Cavaliers and stole the lead with just 20.2 seconds left on the clock thanks to Porter Jr., who nailed the clutch fadeaway shot.
Why the Milwaukee Bucks will win
- The underdogs have won six of the Bucks’ last seven games at Fiserv Forum.
- The Knicks have lost three of their last four games as favorites against Central Division opponents.
- The Knicks have failed to cover the spread in each of their last nine road games against Central Division opponents.
- The Bucks have covered the spread in eight of their last nine night games.
Why the New York Knicks will win
- The Knicks have won each of their last eight road games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a losing record.
- The Bucks have lost nine of their last 10 games against Atlantic Division opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The Bucks have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games as underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Knicks have covered the spread in six of their last seven games against the Bucks.
Total Points: Facts
- Eight of the Bucks’ last nine games against Atlantic Division opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Knicks’ last four games at Fiserv Forum has gone OVER the total points line.
Milwaukee Bucks Player Facts
- Bobby Portis is the only qualified player in the league to be leading their team in rebounds per game (6.5) and three-point shooting percentage (45.1%) this season.
- Myles Turner is one of only three qualified players in the league averaging at least 1.5 threes and 1.5 blocks this season.
New York Knicks Player Facts
- Karl-Anthony Towns is the only player in the league averaging a double-double while shooting at least 30% from three this season.
- Mitchell Robinson ranks 1st amongst qualified players for rebounds per 36 minutes (16.3) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Bucks rank 30th in the league for offensive rebounds per game this season (8.8).
- The Bucks rank 30th in the league for free throw percentage this season (73.9%).
- The Knicks rank 1st in the league for Q4 opponent points per game this season (25.9).
- The Knicks rank 2nd in the league for opponent steals per game this season (7.2).
Bucks vs Knicks Prediction
The Knicks are still slightly shorthanded with Miles McBride still out, while the Bucks have ruled out Giannis Antetokounmpo once again. The Knicks haven’t been at their best lately and they didn’t look like a cohesive unit in their blowout defeat to the Cavaliers on Tuesday, while the Bucks have quietly been playing some of their best basketball of the season and are coming into this one fresh off a thrilling win over the Cavaliers. The Knicks beat the Bucks by 118-109 back on Nov 28, but the Bucks have the momentum in this matchup and I think the line is just a bit too high for a stumbling Knicks team playing on the road.