The New York Knicks (5-3) visit Fiserv Forum to take on the Milwaukee Bucks (4-4) Friday in one of two nationally televised NBA games. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Knicks at Bucks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
This will be the first time Milwaukee takes the court since destroying the Detroit Pistons Tuesday. The Bucks won’t have All-Star guard Khris Middleton back, but it looks like G Jrue Holiday will return.
Holiday averaged 14 points per game in his two appearances. Having been short-handed, the reigning champs have struggled so far this season.
They’ll get a test with the Knicks, who are led by All-Star F Julius Randle. With former MVP Derrick Rose also on the roster, the Knicks are again expecting to make the playoffs.
New York enters on a two-game losing skid after being shocked at home by the Toronto Raptors and on the road versus the Indiana Pacers. The Knicks need to get back on track against two-time MVP F Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks.
Knicks at Bucks odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:57 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Knicks +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Bucks -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Knicks +3.5 (-105) | Bucks -3.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Knicks at Bucks key injuries
Knicks
- None affecting gambling odds
Bucks
- SG Donte DiVincenzo (left ankle) out
- PG Jrue Holiday (left ankle) probable
- C Brook Lopez (back) out
- SG Khris Middleton (health and safety protocols) out
Knicks at Bucks odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Knicks 106, Bucks 104
Money line
“LEAN” to the KNICKS (+140) as the better value here. While I do think the points are better to get in this instance, betting on the Knicks to take down a team that is without their key closer is the way to go.
Against the spread
BET on the KNICKS +3.5 (-105) as the best value.
New York ranks third in offensive rating and has been able to score efficiently. While the Knicks don’t shoot many threes, they make the second-most per game and have the second-best three-point shooting percentage.
With RJ Barrett knocking down over 40 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc, the young forward has taken a massive leap.
The Bucks are down their starting center and All-Star guard. The Knicks are at full strength, even the often-injured C Mitchell Robinson is set to suit up. Robinson should be able to impact Giannis’ drives to the basket.
Last season, with similar rosters, the Knicks were 2-1 against the spread in this series. I expect them to play the Bucks well again Friday, and taking the points here is the smart play.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the UNDER 217.5 (-112) as free-throw shooting has been a rarity this season. With both Randle and Giannis preferring to bang in the paint, this game could get gritty quickly.
The Knicks rank 27th in pace, and while the Bucks do rank in the top ten, New York seems to typically enforce its style more often than not. With both teams in the top half of the league in turnover rate as well the game could drag out and have many possession changes.
The Knicks have hit over 105 just once in their last four games while the Bucks have been held under 100 twice in their last three outings. Just one team struggling cashes the Under typically and that seems likely.
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