The Milwaukee Bucks host the New York Knicks Friday night in what’s shaping up to be a crucial Eastern Conference showdown. The Bucks (41-32) enter as slight 1-point favorites over the Knicks (45-27), according to BetOnline.
How To Watch Knicks vs. Bucks
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- 2024-25 NBA Regular Season Matchup: New York Knicks @ Milwaukee Bucks
- Game Date: Friday, March 28, 2025
- Tip-off: 8 p.m. ET
- Venue: Fiserv Forum | Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- TV Channel: NBA League Pass
- Free Live Stream: Jazz Sports
- Game Odds: Knicks +1 (-110) | Bucks -1 (-110)
Injury Woes for Both Teams
The Knicks are dealing with some serious injury problems.
Jalen Brunson, their scoring leader at 26.3 points per game, is out indefinitely with an ankle injury. That’s a huge blow for New York.
Cameron Payne (ankle) and Miles McBride (groin) are both ruled out for Friday’s game as well. Ariel Hukporti remains sidelined with a knee issue.
The Bucks aren’t exactly healthy either.
Damian Lillard is out indefinitely with a calf injury, while superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is questionable with a foot problem. Center Jericho Sims won’t play due to a thumb injury.
Knicks Looking to Bounce Back
New York (21-15 on the road) has been pretty solid lately, going 5-5 in their last 10 games.
They’re putting up decent numbers during that stretch – 111.8 points, 42.6 rebounds, and 29.4 assists per game while shooting a respectable 47.1% from the floor.
The Knicks had their two-game winning streak snapped Wednesday when the Clippers rallied to beat them 126-113 at Madison Square Garden.
"They were fresh on two days of rest and I knew we would have to be at our best," Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said after the loss. "We’re more than capable of overcoming adversity but didn’t get it done."
New York was playing the second night of a back-to-back, which might explain the late-game fade.
Bucks Struggling to Find Consistency
Milwaukee has been strong at home (23-12) but inconsistent overall lately.
The Bucks are just 4-6 in their last 10 games, averaging 111.9 points while shooting 47.1% from the field.
They’re coming off back-to-back losses and dropped three of five games during their recent Western Conference road trip, including Wednesday’s 127-117 defeat to the Nuggets.
Milwaukee has particularly struggled in close games, going just 5-9 in one-possession contests this season.
Knicks Have Bucks’ Number
Here’s an interesting trend: New York has dominated this matchup recently, winning four straight against Milwaukee.
Two of those victories came this season – a 116-94 win and a 140-106 blowout, both at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks are 4-1 in their last five meetings with the Bucks, while Milwaukee is just 4-10 in their last 14 Friday games.
ESPN’s Basketball Power Index gives New York a 62.2% chance of winning this one, even with their injury concerns and playing on the road.
Will the Knicks continue their mastery over the Bucks, or can Milwaukee finally break through at home? Friday night will tell the tale.
