The Milwaukee Bucks will face the New York Knicks in a crucial NBA Cup clash on Friday. Milwaukee heads into the showdown with New York missing Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) and Taurean Prince (neck). Giannis Antetokounmpo (groin), who hasn’t played in the past four games, is questionable. The Bucks hope they can overcome their injury woes to end a six-game losing slump.
Meanwhile, the Knicks have two big reasons for looking for a win against the Bucks. They want to avenge a loss to the same team last month and keep their NBA Cup campaign alive. A win by the Knicks would help them move closer to an appearance in the next round of the in-season tournament.
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Milwaukee Bucks vs New York Knicks Preview, Predicted Starting Lineups, Betting Tips and Prediction
Moneyline: Bucks (+240) vs. Knicks (-305)
Odds: Bucks (+7.5 -110) vs. Knicks (-7.5 -110)
Total (O/U): Bucks (o234.5 -110) vs. Knicks (u234.5 -110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game.
Milwaukee Bucks vs New York Knicks preview
The Milwaukee Bucks are 0-4 since Giannis Antetokounmpo went down with an adductor strain. Whether the two-time MVP returns or not, his teammates must step up. Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma, Gary Trent Jr. and Bobby Portis must do more to help carry the team. Milwaukee needs Ryan Rollins to keep going, particularly if Antetokokunmpo is out.
Milwaukee’s transition defense has also been leaky during its losing streak, making it another issue that the team must address.
On the other hand, the New York Knicks can’t get complacent. They will not have OG Anunoby (hamstring) and Landry Shamet (shoulder), so they will not be in full force as well.
The Knicks were in trouble on Monday against the reeling Brooklyn Nets before coming through in the fourth quarter. They can’t bring the same sloppiness on both ends and lack of urgency when they face the Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks vs New York Knicks predicted starting lineups
Bucks
PG: Ryan Rollins | SG: AJ Green | SG: Gary Trent Jr. | PF: Kyle Kuzma | C: Myles Turner
Knicks
PG: Jalen Brunson | PG: Miles McBride | SG: Josh Hart | SF: Mikal Bridges | C: Karl-Anthony Towns
Milwaukee Bucks vs New York Knicks betting tips
Jalen Brunson has been on fire, averaging 30.7 points per game in his last six outings. Milwaukee’s injury-hobbled roster could allow him to ease past his 30.5 (O/U) points prop.
Former backup guard Ryan Rollins has been the Bucks’ brightest spot, particularly when Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered an injury. Over his last six games, he is averaging 21.0 ppg. The Bucks badly need the 6-foot-3 guard to score, making it likely he will top his 18.5 (O/U) points prop.
Milwaukee Bucks vs New York Knicks prediction
After spending the last five games on the road, the Knicks return to New York to host the struggling and hobbled Bucks. If Antetokounmpo is cleared to play, Milwaukee likely covers the +7.5 spread. If he remains out, expect the home team to roll to a comfortable win.
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Edited by Michael Macasero