Knicks vs Bucks Prediction and NBA Tips – 13 January 2025

The New York Knicks are set to host the Milwaukee Bucks on January 12, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. This Eastern Conference matchup features two teams with distinct narratives this season.

Team Overviews

• New York Knicks: The Knicks hold a 25-14 record, placing them third in the Eastern Conference. However, they’ve encountered challenges recently, losing four of their last five games, including a 126-101 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In that game, the Knicks struggled with their three-point shooting, making only 4 of 31 attempts.
• Milwaukee Bucks: The Bucks, with a 20-16 record, are on a three-game winning streak, elevating them to fourth in the Eastern Conference. Their latest victory was a 109-106 win over the Orlando Magic, highlighted by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 41-point performance.

Key Players

• Knicks: Karl-Anthony Towns leads the team with averages of 25.3 points and 13.9 rebounds per game. Jalen Brunson contributes significantly with 25.1 points and 7.5 assists per game. The team will be without Mitchell Robinson due to an ankle injury.
• Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo is the standout performer, averaging 31.7 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. Damian Lillard adds 24.9 points and 7.4 assists per game, forming a formidable duo with Antetokounmpo. The Bucks have no significant injuries reported for this game.

Statistical Comparison

• Offense: The Knicks average 116.6 points per game, ranking seventh in the league, while the Bucks average 112.9 points, placing them 13th.
• Defense: Defensively, the Knicks allow 110.5 points per game, ranking eighth, whereas the Bucks concede 110.7 points, placing them ninth.
• Rebounding: The Knicks average 43.2 rebounds per game, slightly below the Bucks’ 43.8 rebounds.

Recent Form

• Knicks: In their last ten games, the Knicks have a 6-4 record, averaging 114.6 points per game. Their recent shooting slump, particularly from beyond the arc, has been a concern.
• Bucks: The Bucks also hold a 6-4 record over their last ten games, averaging 113.0 points. Their recent success is attributed to improved chemistry between Antetokounmpo and Lillard.

Head-to-Head

The Knicks won the previous encounter this season with a 116-94 victory over the Bucks. Last season, the Bucks led the series 3-2.

Prediction

Considering the Knicks’ recent struggles and the Bucks’ upward trajectory, the Bucks may have a slight edge in this matchup. However, the Knicks’ home-court advantage and potential for a defensive resurgence could make this a closely contested game.

Betting Odds

• Spread: Knicks favored by 4 points.
• Moneyline: Knicks at -174, Bucks at +148.
• Total Points (Over/Under): Set at 227.5 points.

Conclusion

This game presents an intriguing matchup between a Knicks team looking to rebound from a slump and a Bucks squad aiming to extend their winning streak. Key factors will include the Knicks’ ability to improve their shooting efficiency and how well the Bucks’ star duo can penetrate the Knicks’ defense.