Subscribe
Follow Us
The New York Knicks are set to travel to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks at the Fiserv Forum. This Saturday night matchup sees two Eastern Conference teams battling it out for the third time this season. The season series is split at 1-1. The Knicks enter this game on a high note as they just overcame a 17-point third-quarter deficit to defeat the Wizards on Thursday night. Milwaukee enters the back end of a back to back having lost to the Celtics last night. This matchup is separated by nine points, but are these teams that far apart right now? It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Knicks-Bucks prediction and pick.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Knicks-Bucks odds.
NBA Odds: Knicks-Bucks Odds
New York Knicks +9 (-115)
Milwaukee Bucks -9 (-105)
Over 224 Points (-110)
Under 224 Points(-110)
Why The Knicks Could Cover The Spread
Article Continues Below
The New York Knicks continue to impress in 2021 under head coach Tom Thibodeau. New York is currently 26-17 ATS and ranks number one in the NBA in team defense. The Knicks allow a league-best 105 points per game, which is a recipe for success on a consistent basis. The Knicks have played well on the road this year, going 13-10 ATS away from the Garden. They have been playing without point guard Derrick Rose for some time now, which has paved the way for other role players to step up in his absence.
New York has seen some impressive outings from Alec Burks of late. Burks had another dominant performance in the win against Washington, going for a team-high 27 points. He is just what the Knicks need as they've had two consistent scoring options at the top all year. Julius Randle is now the betting favorite to win Most Improved Player and RJ Barrett has taken a big leap in his sophomore year. Randle leads the way for this club, averaging 23 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. New York is 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven and 4-1 ATS in their last five against Central Division opponents.
Why The Bucks Could Cover The Spread
The Milwaukee Bucks enter this game coming off of a devastating loss against the Boston Celtics Friday night. For those that may be concerned about the back-to-back, don't be. Milwaukee has played well in this spot, going 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games on zero days of rest. They also possess the edge in this head-to-head matchup. The Bucks are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games against the New York Knicks. The last time these two teams met was on March 11th. Milwaukee won that game by 33 points.
The Bucks are led by MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis is averaging a staggering 28.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game in 2021. Milwaukee has built a deep roster around the Greek Freak, which has catapulted this team to yearly contender status. The Bucks possess a lethal backcourt with Jrue Holiday and Kris Middleton. The Deer will run you out of the gym in transition and hit big threes down the stretch. The Knicks will be without Derrick Rose and Nerlens Noel for this game. Milwaukee is 8-0 SU in its last eight home games against New York and has the health advantage in this affair.
Final Knicks-Bucks Prediction & Pick
This line has moved a whole point since opening as tickets have come in on New York. The Knicks have been playing very well of late and have a proven recipe of success in 2021. The defensive prowess is what keeps this team in games. With the season series being split at a game apiece, I'm not sold on this one being decided by double digits. Milwaukee has played well on the back end of back-to-backs, but the loss to Boston was tough to watch and the Knicks should enter with more momentum and more energy.
FINAL PICK: New York Knicks +9 (-115)
