Knicks vs Bucks Predictions, Odds & Best Bets (March 28)

• The New York Knicks are 1-point favorites on the road vs the Milwaukee Bucks tonight
• Big-name guards Jalen Brunson and Damian Lillard are out, while Giannis Antetokounmpo is questionable
• See my Knicks vs Bucks predictions and best bets below, plus the odds

A potential first-round playoff matchup is on deck tonight as the New York Knicks (45-27, 21-15 away) visit the Milwaukee Bucks (40-32, 23-12 home). Both teams are dealing with significant injuries, the full extent of which may not be known until right before tip-off.

The action gets underway at 8:10pm ET at the Fiserv Forum, in Milwaukee, WI.

New York Knicks vs Milwaukee Bucks Odds

The injury situation leaves plenty of room for movement in the NBA odds. New York is currently a 1-point favorite, laying -112 on the moneyline. The total sits at 217.5, with Milwaukee coming back as -108 underdogs.

Per the NBA public betting trends, the spread and moneyline action is split down the middle. The total betting, on the other hand, is incredibly one-sided. Over 217.5 is drawing 96% of the tickets, and 92% of the handle.

DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK

Sign Up Today & Receive Up to
$1,050 in Bonuses!

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

SIGN UP
& GET $1,050

BONUS BETS + DEPOSIT BONUS

GET PROMO

Odds as of March 28 at DraftKings. See the full list of DraftKings legal states.

Knicks vs Bucks Injury Report

Here’s what we know so far. For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson, Miles McBride and Cameron Payne are all out. The trio make up the top-3 in the New York point guard depth chart, leaving rookie Tyler Kolek in charge of the offense.

On the other side, the news is just as bleak. Damian Lillard is out for the foreseeable future, while Bobby Portis is still suspended. Giannis Antetokounmpo missed Wednesday’s loss versus Denver, and is listed questionable. It might make sense to give him another night off, and ensure a soft landing spot for his return on Sunday against Atlanta.

New York Knicks vs Milwaukee Bucks Predictions

At this point, the Knicks are used to playing without Brunson. He’s been out of the lineup since early March, with New York posting a 5-5 mark in his absence. New York averages four points less with Brunson out, but are starting look more comfortable without him. They’ve put up an average of 121 points over their last three outings, posting a 2-1 mark.

Kolek has filled in admirably over the past three outings, averaging 8 assists, with only one turnover. He’ll look to facilitate first and foremost, but we can also expect more assist opportunities for Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart.

As for Milwaukee, the availability of Giannis swings everything. The team just doesn’t have the depth to make up for the 55 points he and Lillard account for when they’re healthy. The Bucks have played five games with both out this season, posting a 2-3 mark. That record is actually a bit misleading, given the competition.

Milwaukee beat Washington, arguably the worst team in the league. They also beat Chicago, when it was in a tailspin. When they’ve faced superior competition, the results haven’t been pretty. OKC trounced them by 29, while Denver beat them by 10 two nights ago.

I’m not saying this version of the Knicks is an NBA Championship odds contender like the Thunder and Nuggets, but they’re closer to those teams than the Wizards and Bulls. My prediction is the result tonight will reflect that.

Knicks vs Bucks Best Bets

• New York Knicks Moneyline (-112) at DraftKings

Which makes the Knicks moneyline my best bet. The uncertainty of Antetokounmpo is a major reason why, but even if he plays I prefer the New York roster. A starting five featuring KAT, Hart, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges is far superior to the Bucks top-five. Even with Giannis in, secondary options like Kyle Kuzma and Brook Lopez are not moving the needle at this stage of their careers.

New York will play smart, aggressive defense that will give Milwaukee fits. This is still a top-13 team per defensive rating, and they’ve posted a better mark in that category with Brunson gone. Over the past month, the Knicks rank seventh in defensive rating.

The Bucks, meanwhile, average 5 less points per game without Lillard, and have been held to 105 points or less in three of their last four without Dame and Giannis.