Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks Predictions: Can the Knicks Find Their Groove in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks Predictions: Can the Knicks Find Their Groove in Milwaukee?
When: Friday, November 5, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where to Watch: ESPN
Spread: Bucks -4.5
Total: 216.5
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Bucks vs. Knicks Prediction
Here’s the thing about an NBA season -- it doesn’t take long for things to get away from you.
It wasn’t long ago that the Knicks were feeling pretty good about themselves, with a 5-1 record and a spot atop the league standings. Sure, a closer-than-comfortable win against a hobbled Pelicans squad was cause for a minor concern, as was a near collapse against the Chicago Bulls, but wins are wins, and New York was emerging with W’s.
Not so much in the last 96 hours. After a home loss to the Raptors in which they were out-physicalled (it’s in the Tom Thibodeau dictionary; feel free to look it up) for a majority of the game, the Knicks played their ugliest wire-to-wire game of the season and lost to the previously 2-6 Pacers on Wednesday night.
Both Indiana and Toronto are better than their record would indicate, but that doesn’t change the fact that the Knicks are worse than popular consensus after a mostly outstanding (if flawed) first 10 days. Julius Randle is struggling, not only with his shot (41.5 percent overall; 35.7 from deep) but adjusting to an offense that now has more outlets who can help shoulder the load he carried so dutifully last season.
One of those outlets is a much improved RJ Barrett, who will likely play a prominent role in this game as he’s matched up against either Pat Connaughton or Grayson Allen. Barrett has scored at least 20 points in four straight games on plus efficiency, and he should be able to take advantage of either player if given the opportunity.
Whether he gets, it may be up to Randle. The offense still runs through last year’s All-NBA 2nd Team forward, and trying to find a new balance against the defending champs is no easy task.
This one should be close with Milwaukee still undermanned, and New York had had some success against the Bucks over the years. They will not be intimidated. Look for a bounce back from Thibodeau’s crew.
Bucks vs. Knicks Pick
Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans
When: 10:00 p.m. ET
Where to Watch: ESPN
It’s time for today’s round of “Can this spread be big enough?”
In one corner, we have the Warriors, fresh off a 22-point home win against the Hornets in a game that Steph Curry had fewer than 20 points for the first time all season. They have the third-best net rating in the NBA at positive 9.7 and are shaping up to be the frontrunners for the West’s top seed.
In the other corner, we have the one-win New Orleans Pelicans, who sport the fourth-worst net rating in the league and are still without Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. They are undermanned and remain with just one win.
There isn’t much that needs to be said about this matchup. Unless you think a backdoor cover is in store, this one is an easy selection. However, with Golden State’s strong bench, even that possibility is remote.Go with the home team on national television.