The New York Knicks (3-4) welcome the Milwaukee Bucks (2-6) to Madison Square Garden Friday. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Bucks vs. Knicks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Bucks won series 3-1 in 2023-24
The Knicks lost to the Atlanta Hawks 121-116 Wednesday, closing as a 7-point road favorite. They have lost 2 games in a row, dropping a battle with the Houston Rockets on the road by 12 Monday. New York went 2-2 on its recent 4-game road trip and returns home where it is 1-1 straight up and against the spread (ATS). They are led by G Jalen Brunson, who is averaging 25.3 points per game.
The Bucks snapped a 6-game losing streak by throttling the Utah Jazz 123-100 at home Thursday and covering as a 9.5-point favorite. G Damian Lillard led the way with 34 points. Milwaukee is 2-3 ATS on the season. F Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 31 points, 12.6 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game.
Bucks at Knicks odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 1:06 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Bucks +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Knicks -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Bucks +7.5 (-110) | Knicks -7.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 225.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Bucks at Knicks key injuries
Bucks (not yet submitted; Thursday’s IR)
- F Giannis Antetokounmpo (adductor) available
- G Khris Middleton (ankle) out
Knicks
- C Precious Achiuwa (hamstring) out
- C Mitchell Robinson (ankle) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Bucks at Knicks picks and predictions
Prediction
Knicks 116, Bucks 112
Moneyline
PASS.
There’s no real value here. The Bucks (+260) may be finally starting to figure it out, so they could be worth a play, but considering how they’ve played for much of the season, it is ultimately a pass. Avoid the Knicks (-350) as a massive home favorite.
Against the spread
BET BUCKS +7.5 (-110).
The Bucks might finally be finding some type of rhythm. They covered on the road against the Cavaliers in a 2-point loss Monday and covered at home Thursday. Milwaukee is 1-1 ATS as an underdog. It has scored 118.5 points per game over its last 2 as well, so its offense has been clicking.
The Knicks are 0-2 ATS in their last 2 games and 2-3 ATS in their last 5. They have struggled on both ends of the court, averaging under 108 PPG and alowing 115 PPG over the last 2 games. New York has a talented team and should still come out on top still, but considering this size of a spread, back BUCKS +7.5 (-110).
Over/Under
BET OVER 225.5 (-115).
The Knicks are 4-3 O/U on the season and 3-1 O/U in their last 4 games. New York has allowed at least 109 points in 4 of 7 games and has scored at least 116 in 3 of its last 4.
On the other hand, the Bucks put up 123 on the Jazz, 114 on the Cavaliers Monday and 113 on the Cavs Saturday. Milwaukee has a multi-time MVP and Lillard, who is notorious for his big-time shot-making ability. Expect there to be ample offense in this Game, especially considering how both teams are playing as of late.
Back OVER 225.5 (-115).
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