The New York Knicks (23-26) visit the Milwaukee Bucks (30-20) Friday. Tip-off at Fiserv Forum is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Knicks vs. Bucks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Bucks come into this battle failing to cover the spread in 7 of their last 10 games.
They most recently lost by 16 (115-99) to the Cleveland Cavaliers as 4-point road favorites Wednesday. On the season, Milwaukee is 21-29 against the spread (ATS). The Bucks currently sit in 6th place in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks, who have been disappointing this season, are in 11th. They’re 24-25 ATS and have covered 6 of their last 10. They’re just 1-5 over their last six straight up (SU) though.
Knicks at Bucks odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:02 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Knicks +330 (bet $100 to win $330) | Bucks -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Knicks +8.5 (-110) | Bucks -8.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 216.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Knicks at Bucks key injuries
Knicks
- C Nerlens Noel (knee) questionable
- PG Derrick Rose (ankle) out
Bucks
- SG Wesley Matthews (knee) probable
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Knicks at Bucks odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Bucks 109, Knicks 105
Money line
PASS.
The Knicks are a good enough team with enough size to give Milwaukee some problems offensively. New York’s +330 price is the only playable option here, but I’d look to the spread for any value.
Against the spread
BET KNICKS +8.5 (-110).
New York has been holding games close, covering 4 of the last 5 times it was an underdog. The Knicks are 11-12 SU on the road compared to 12-14 SU at home.
As is typical, the Bucks are better at home. So, no surprise there, but they are just 7-14 ATS as home favorites. They average the 12th most offensive rebounds per game, a factor in many of their victories.
The Knicks rank 10th in defensive-rebounding rate. They have the size in C Mitchell Robinson and PF Julius Randle to combat the Bucks’ lengthy frontcourt.
With that in mind and considering the trends, I prefer taking the Knicks to cover.
Over/Under
LEAN to the UNDER 216.5 (-108).
The Knicks are just 21-28 O/U this season. They rebound well and play at a slow pace, which will help limit the Bucks’ transition attempts.
Milwaukee ranks 13th in fast-break points per game. The Bucks are a high-volume 3-point shooting team, and the Knicks rank 15th in opponents’ 3-point percentage.
While not among the top tier, the Knicks have the length to stay home on shooters and not double two-time MVP PF Giannis Antetokounmpo. With both teams profitable on the Under (the Bucks are 21-29 O/U) this season, it’s the better side in this matchup.
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