The New York Knicks (3-1) visit Fiserv Forum to take on the Milwaukee Bucks (3-0) Friday. Tip is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Knicks vs. Bucks odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Knicks are tied for the 2nd-best record in the Eastern Conference following 3 straight wins. Their lone loss was a 115-112 overtime defeat at the Memphis Grizzlies in their season-opener.
New York is led by F Julius Randle who is averaging 20.3 points per game and shooting 47% from the field. Offseason addition G Jalen Brunson is averaging 20 points per game as well.
The Bucks are the lone undefeated team in the NBA, and they have done their work without All-Star G Khris Middleton. Milwaukee has beaten the Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets and Brooklyn Nets.
It is led by F Giannis Antetokounmpo who is arguably the early-season MVP favorite, averaging 36 points and 13 rebounds per game.
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Knicks at Bucks odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Knicks +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Bucks -230 (bet $230 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Knicks +5.5 (-105) | Bucks -5.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 223.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Knicks at Bucks key injuries
Knicks
- F/G Quentin Grimes (foot) out
Bucks
-
G Pat Connaughton (calf) out
-
G Khris Middleton (wrist) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Knicks at Bucks picks and predictions
Prediction
Bucks 114, Knicks 109
Moneyline
PASS.
The Bucks are undefeated for a reason, and the Knicks might have an inflated record due to their schedule. There’s no value on either side of the moneyline.
Against the spread
BET KNICKS +5.5 (-105).
New York is running most of its offense through Brunson, and so far, it has had success. The Knicks have topped 110 points in every game and scored 130 or more in 2 of their 4 outings. Their efficient attack should be able to keep this game close, and the Bucks’ defensive rating is 98.3.
However, there wasn’t a team with a defensive rating under 106.2 last season, so some regression on that side of the court should be expected. Without Middleton, Milwaukee’s offensive ceiling is limited as well.
Couple it all, and I’ll back the efficient Knicks to keep it close.
Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 223.5 (-112).
The Bucks do have the best defense in the NBA right now, and they’re 21st in pace. They’re 1-2 O/U while New York is 3-1.
Milwaukee will also be without Connaughton, and while he may not seem impactful, he is a key sharpshooter for an offense without Middleton helping space the court.
Add in the Knicks having C Mitchell Robinson‘s 7-foot-4 wingspan healthy, and they should be able to limit the Greek Freak enough to help the UNDER 223.5 (-112) hit here.
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