The Knicks travel to Milwaukee on Tuesday night to play Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks.
Both teams look to bounce back from Sunday night losses, when New York fell to Miami on the road and Milwaukee nearly upset Cleveland.
New York has dominated this series of late, winning its last five games against Milwaukee. Jalen Brunson and the Knicks are looking to increase that number to six early in the season.
Blue and Orange are only 2.5 points in this betting favorite, while the Over/Under is 229.5 points per FanDuel.
Knicks vs. Bucks odds, prediction
A common talking point in many NBA circles to start the season was that Antetokounmpo was reportedly open to a trade with the Knicks if Milwaukee decided to part ways with him.
After the Bucks released Damian Lillard this summer, many thought Antetokounmpo was out the door as well.
However, ex-Pacer Myles Turner was added to the roster in the offseason, replacing veteran Brook Lopez in the starting lineup.
The two-time MVP returned to Milwaukee before opening night and is now averaging 36 points, 16 rebounds and 7 assists per game to start the season.
While this Bucks roster lacks star power, it does have solid depth at the guard and wing positions, allowing the 2021 Finals MVP to operate more as a point forward.
Antetokounmpo has done well against New York, scoring more than 20 goals in 14 consecutive games against the Knicks dating back to 2017.
While Antetokounmpo has seemingly gotten his way with the Knicks, the same can be said for Brunson, who fared well against Doc Rivers’ pick-and-roll drop coverage.
The Villanova product recorded 44 points, five rebounds and six assists against the Bucks in their last meeting, leading the Knicks to a 140-106 victory. In his last five games against the Bucks, Brunson is averaging 35.2 points, 7.2 assists and 4 rebounds.
In Mike Brown’s new pace-and-space attack, the point guard serves as the focal point. I believe Brunson will try to score and distribute effectively. Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby have shown the ability to knock down shots once Brunson kicks him out after a paint touch.
Bet on the NBA?
I’m focusing on Brunson’s points + rebounds + assist prop at 37.5. Since the departure of Jrue Holiday, the Bucks’ weak spot has been perimeter defense. Last season, point guards averaged 24.3 points per game and 2.8 three-pointers against the Bucks.
I expect Brunson to benefit from a matchup with Bucks guards Ryan Rollins, Cole Anthony and AJ Green.
The play: Jalen Brunson ABOUT 37.5 PTS + REB + AST (-118, FanDuel)
Why trust New York Post betting
Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player betting for nearly three years. Mike also has a lot of knowledge of the sportsbooks on offer and regularly tries out the latest apps and sites.
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