The New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks will play in an Eastern Conference matchup on Friday night. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Knicks-Bucks prediction and pick.
The Knicks and Bucks will meet on Friday, which each team looking to bolster their position in the East standings. The Knicks are 5-3 this season, while the injury plagued Bucks are just 4-4. The Bucks have been without Jrue Holiday for much of this season, and are looking to find a rhythm coming off their 2021 NBA Championship. The Knicks started hot, but have lost a couple games of late and will be looking to get back into the win column.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the Knicks-Bucks odds for this Friday night matchup.
NBA Odds: Knicks-Bucks Odds
New York Knicks +4.5 (-110)
Milwaukee Bucks -4.5 (-110)
Over 215.5 points (-110)
Under 215.5 points (-110)
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Why The Knicks Can Cover The Spread
Article Continues BelowJulius Randle is proving last season was no fluke. He's putting up big numbers again, and is still the guy after the additions of Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier. The Knicks backcourt play is much improved because Walker and Fournier, and it has helped Randle tremendously in terms of finding his spots due to the spacing provided by the two sharp-shooting guards.
The Knicks have a good chance to cover and win vs. a banged up Bucks roster, but they will have to deal with Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Holiday is probable. If Holiday is unable to go for some reason, the Knicks would be even better of a play on Friday night in Milwaukee.
Why The Bucks Can Cover The Spread
The Bucks will be without starting center Brook Lopez and sharp-shooter Khris Middleton on Friday, on top of still being down Donte DiVincenzo, who was a starter before getting hurt in the 2021 playoffs. It may not be the best spot to bet the Bucks, as the Knicks are quality opponents. Milwaukee being down essentially three starters is obviously a big deal, even if they still have the former MVP Antetokounmpo and Holiday in the lineup on Friday.
The Bucks haven't hit their stride yet, and that is just fine because the season is young and the offseason was especially short for Milwaukee. Still, it may not be the best spot to lay 4.5 points, as the Knicks are healthier and have a better record than the Bucks through eight games.
Final Knicks-Bucks Prediction & Pick
Take the Knicks and the points in this spot. The Bucks are banged up, and the Knicks are a legitimate team this year with plenty of depth.
FINAL KNICKS-BUCKS PREDICTION & PICK: Knicks +4.5 (-110)