- When: Tuesday, December 5 at 7:30 PM ET
- Who: New York Knicks at Milwaukee Bucks
- Where: Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, WI
The Milwaukee Bucks are set to host the New York Knicks at Fiserv Forum in the quarterfinals of the NBA In-Season Tournament on Tuesday, December 5.
This marks the second encounter between the two teams in the tournament, with the Bucks emerging victorious in their previous Group Play stage meeting.
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Game Preview
| Moneyline |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knicks | +165 | +165 | +163 |
| Bucks | -195 | -190 | -190 |
Despite the Knicks' subpar shooting performance in that game, they have secured a spot in the quarterfinals by winning three consecutive games.
Milwaukee secured its place in the quarterfinals with a 131-124 road win against the Miami Heat, finishing the East: Group B stage with a perfect 4-0 record.
A player worth monitoring for the Bucks is Damian Lillard, whose season has been characterized by fluctuating performances, oscillating between impressive outings and less-than-stellar ones.
As the Knicks visit, Lillard could be poised for a standout performance tonight.
His capacity to shoulder the team's responsibilities may play a crucial role in securing a victory for the Bucks.
On the other hand, the Knicks, also part of Group B, lost to the Bucks in the initial Group Play stage but rebounded with three consecutive wins, earning them a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference with an impressive +42 point differential.
That was a game in which New York covered as a 5.5-point underdog, and the Knicks did that despite shooting horribly.
New York was just 38 for 96 from the floor and 10 for 39 from deep in that game.
Above the rim 📸 pic.twitter.com/rG7Ubrny4M
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 3, 2023
The previous encounter saw the Knicks cover the spread despite their struggles on the offensive end, shooting poorly from the floor and beyond the arc.
However, the Knicks boast a stronger offensive capability than exhibited in that game, and the Bucks have faced defensive challenges early in the season.
Expect New York to display greater offensive efficiency in this rematch.
While Jalen Brunson had an exceptional performance in the previous meeting, Julius Randle is anticipated to rebound from his uncharacteristic shooting struggles.
Additionally, the return of RJ Barrett provides an added offensive dimension for the Knicks.
That should help the Knicks in half-court, because Barrett has been better than expected as a floor spacer this season.
That should open things up for the rest of his teammates.
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Total Points
Let's take a look at the total points market for this matchup.
| Total Points | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over 225.5 Points | -115 | -107 | -110 |
| Under 225.5 Points | -105 | -113 | -110 |
With a top-five ranking in adjusted defensive rating, the Knicks pose a formidable defensive challenge, making them a challenging opponent in this one-game elimination setting.
The Knicks' ability to control the pace of the game, slow it down significantly, and dominate on the glass could pose significant challenges for the Bucks.
Highlights from last night's WIN vs. the Hawks.
⚡️: @we_energies pic.twitter.com/lrvjuG0eVk
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 3, 2023
Milwaukee's preference for a fast-paced game contrasts with New York's deliberate pace, and the Knicks' prowess as the league's best rebounding team adds another layer to their strategic advantage.
While the Knicks are favored to cover the point spread, the Bucks, with a -195 money line at Bovada, are considered a strong play.
The implied probability of a -195 favorite winning is approximately 66%.
Additionally, the total of 225.5 points is perceived as too low for this matchup, making an over bet at -110 odds on Bovada a reasonable choice.
The total has gone over in 4 of the last 5 Bucks games as well as 3 of the last 5 Knicks games.
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