- The Bucks are 3.5-point underdogs when they visit the Knicks
- New York has dropped four of its last five games
- Read below for our Bucks vs Knicks preview, with odds, analysis and best bet
Two teams at the top of the Eastern Conference playoff picture collide Sunday when the Milwaukee Bucks (20-16, 8-9 away) visit the New York Knicks (25-14, 12-6 home).
The Bucks have reeled off three straight wins, and at fourth in the East, have closed to within 3.5 games of the Knicks, who have dropped four of their last five.
That’s still not enough to sway the books, who still favor the home team.
Bucks vs Knicks Odds
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Bucks | +3.5 (-110) | +140 | O 227.0 (-110) |
| New York Knicks | -3.5 (-110) | -165 | U 227.0 (-110) |
New York is pegged as a 3.5-point favorite in the NBA odds, with the total set at 227 points.
Action tips off Sunday (January 12) at 3 pm from Madison Square Garden in New York.
Odds as of Jan. 11 at Caesars Sportsbook. Be sure to check the top Caesars Sportsbook promos before making a bet on any NBA showdown.
Bucks vs Knicks Injury Report
Anytime an injury report lists your three best players and one of your best reserves, it’s definitely concerning, though it appears the Bucks should be mostly intact Sunday.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is coming off a 41-point, 14-rebound bomb in their win last game against the Magic.
GIANNIS DUNKS ARE NOT NORMAL DUNKS. pic.twitter.com/K0tv6or0YO
— NBA (@NBA) January 11, 2025
Damian Lillard, who is dealing with a left calf contusion, is also probable against New York. He dropped 29 against Orlando, the fourth time in five January games he’s scored at least 23 points.
Khris Middleton (ankles) who seems to be perpetually recovering from injury, is also probable, while Gary Trent Jr (left hip strain) is the only regular that is questionable.
For the Knicks, Miles McBride (hamstring) is probable, while New York is still awaiting the debut of big man Mitchell Robinson (ankle). He should be cleared for full practice at some point this month.
Bucks A Different Team From First Meeting
New York has beaten the Bucks three straight games, the most recent early in the season, a 116-94 thumping that dropped Milwaukee to 2-7.
After a discouraging 2-8 start to the season, the Bucks have gone 18-8 to climb into the East’s Top 4.
The turnaround has been on both ends of the court, as the Bucks have held the opposition to 108.8 points per game, which has moved them into the Top 10 in NBA scoring defense.
Logo Dame. pic.twitter.com/cKb2YshRm2
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 11, 2025
Offensively, they’ve done just enough, putting up 113.7 points per game during this stretch, but they’re shooting a very crisp 48% from the field, including a 40% clip from 3-point range.
Over this three-game slide to New York, Milwaukee has only averaged 108.3 points, while surrendering 122.3. If they continue to form, their scoring should rise, and their defense should bring New York’s defense down.
New York Middling vs Winning Teams
Everything is still feeling good for the Knicks, as they’ve integrated Karl-Anthony Towns into their lineup and sit at 25-14 on the year, cruising under the spotlight of the Cavs and Celtics.
But are they simply in their shadows? New York has beaten up on the bottom feeders, piling up a sweet 16-3 record against teams with a losing record.
“What you’re seeing from the Knicks now folks: No teamwork. Just bouncing the ball. Towns bouncing. Brunson bouncing. People standing around. This is not how they’ve been successful. They usually average 28 assists…13 assists right now. So the ball is not moving”
–– Clyde pic.twitter.com/2NQqplPZru
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 11, 2025
However, they are just 9-11 against teams with a winning mark. Part of this recent slide included two big-time beatings at the hands of the OKC Thunder.
The Knicks have no wins in five games against the Thunder, Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics – two teams they are looking up at in the East.
Apart from that blip, though, New York has plenty to feel good about. They are seventh in the NBA, putting up 116.6 points per game, while allowing 110.5, which ranks eighth.
They join Boston as the only two teams to rank Top 8 in both.
Bucks vs Knicks Prediction
Milwaukee is playing better basketball right now, and this is another chance to prove that their recent run to relevance hasn’t been aided by a relatively easy part of their schedule.
As the win over OKC in the NBA Cup Final doesn’t count in the standings, that makes it just seven games in their last 26 against teams that are in the Top 6 of the standings.
New York is just 2-3-0 against the spread at home since Christmas Day. They’ve averaged just 102.3 points per game in the last three home dates, which sets up nicely for the Bucks to break their skid to New York.
- Pick: Bucks +3.5 (-110)
The Milwaukee Bucks will face off against the New York Knicks on Sunday, January 12th in what is sure to be an exciting matchup. Both teams have been playing well this season and fans can expect a competitive game between these two Eastern Conference rivals.
The Bucks currently sit at the top of the Eastern Conference with a record of 32-6, while the Knicks are in 11th place with a record of 10-27. Despite their differing records, the Knicks have shown flashes of potential this season and should not be underestimated by the Bucks.
In terms of predictions, the Bucks are the clear favorites in this matchup. Led by reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have one of the most potent offenses in the league and are known for their fast-paced style of play. The Knicks, on the other hand, have struggled to find consistency on both ends of the court and will need to step up their game if they hope to compete with the Bucks.
In terms of odds, most sportsbooks have the Bucks as heavy favorites to win this game. The spread is currently set at around 10 points in favor of the Bucks, indicating that oddsmakers believe they will win by a comfortable margin. The over/under for total points scored in the game is set at around 220 points, suggesting that it could be a high-scoring affair.
In terms of injuries, both teams are relatively healthy heading into this matchup. The Bucks have been dealing with some minor injuries to key players such as Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe, but both are expected to play in this game. The Knicks have also been relatively healthy, with no major injuries to report.
Overall, this game has all the makings of an exciting matchup between two talented teams. While the Bucks are the clear favorites, the Knicks have shown that they are capable of pulling off upsets and should not be taken lightly. Fans can expect a high-scoring game with plenty of highlight-reel plays from both teams. Be sure to tune in on Sunday to see who comes out on top in this exciting Eastern Conference showdown.
