New York Knicks vs Milwaukee Bucks Predictions, Odds, Picks

• The Knicks’ current losing streak sits at two in a row.
• The Bucks are looking to get back over .500 after losing three in a row to close out October.
• The Knicks have won the last two out of three meetings with the Bucks.

New York Knicks vs Milwaukee Bucks Odds

Odds provided by Caesars Sportsbook.

The Knicks are shooting a lot of threes these days, but their defence has loosened up. The Bucks look set to enforce their drive-and-kick game, and if their shooting is in order they’ll be back on a winning trend.

Picks:

Milwaukee Bucks def. New York Knicks (-225)

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Head-to-Head: New York Knicks vs Milwaukee Bucks

NYK: Three Keys

After their recent loss to the Indiana Pacers, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said there were three obvious things they have to do in order to win. Two out of three wasn’t enough and their losing streak grew to two games.

Thibodeau cited defending and rebounding as the keys to winning, along with taking care of the ball – which they did in their last game. However they allowed the Pacers to convert on 16 threes while also getting outrebounded 49 to 46.

The Bucks play at a higher pace, have better three-point shooters, and are tenacious on the glass – despite their struggles with Lopez out. The Knicks face a step up in competition, so it’ll be up to their stars to set the example early.

Knicks Key Player: (G) Kemba Walker

OH YES. KEMBA WALKER BABY. pic.twitter.com/YBL6LXPJl2

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 6, 2021

Kemba Walker is a fantastic basketball player and finds a loving home crowd for himself in the New York Knicks. However, when he struggles, the Knicks have difficulty staying competitive.

Simply put, if Kemba Walker is struggling to score, what does he contribute on the court? Walker is coming off of a game where he contributed 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists on 2 of 11 shooting in 28 minutes of play.

Walker needs to be a viable option for this Knicks team, otherwise, he is taking valuable contribution time away from Derrick Rose. He’s a fantastic scorer, with few who can match him on the defensive end. The All-Star point guard needs to make an impact.

MIL: Team Rebounding

The Milwaukee Bucks have felt the absence of Brook Lopez, as seen through their team rebounding numbers. Without a true center available, the Bucks have to control the glass as a unit.

The Bucks are still in the better half of the NBA in terms of rebounding, at 46.1 rebounds per game. But they’re going to have their hands full against a bruising front court that includes Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and Taj Gibson.

The Antetokounmpo brothers will lead Milwaukee’s battle on the glass, but they’ll need contributors across the rotation in order to stave off the very physical Knicks.

Bucks Key Player: (F) Thanasis Antetokounmpo

And we’re off!! ? pic.twitter.com/f7NzWtSNV8

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 2, 2021

All eyes are on Antetokounmpo, but usually, the attention goes to the two-time Most Valuable Player. However, due to injuries and early-season issues, it has been the eldest sibling Thanasis Antetokounmpo who has taken on a starring role.

Thanasis Antetokounmpo is coming off of a game where he posted 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals in 23 minutes of play. He was also perfect from the field, capitalizing on his few opportunities.

Antetokounmpo is a true team player, who plays within himself for the benefit of the team. He may not put up the flashy numbers, but his energy on the court is infectious and wholly beneficial to the Bucks’ success.

How to Watch New York Knicks vs Milwaukee Bucks