The Milwaukee Bucks host the New York Knicks in NBA action on Friday night.
New York's backcourt has been decimated by injuries, which is my Knicks vs. Bucks predictions expect a big game from an overlooked rookie guard.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this Eastern Conference showdown on March 28.
Knicks vs Bucks prediction
My best bet: Tyler Kolek Over 6.5 assists (-140 at bet365)
My analysis
Both of these teams are missing their star point guards with Damian Lillard sidelined indefinitely with a blood clot and Jalen Brunson out with an ankle injury.
Miles McBride entered the New York Knicks lineup to replace Brunson but injured his groin and has been out since last Thursday.
Cameron Payne was the next man up and averaged 26 minutes per game over the last three contests but has been ruled out tonight with a sprained ankle.
That leaves New York with few capable ball-handlers who can facilitate.
Josh Hart has taken over the lead guard duties, but this is a great opportunity for rookie Tyler Kolek.
Kolek was a consensus All-American last year at Marquette and led the country with 7.7 assists per game.
As an older prospect with limited athleticism, Kolek fell to the second round of the draft.
Kolek has been buried on the Knicks bench for most of the season, but his vision and deft passing were on full display in the G-League, where he racked up 10.0 apg in four contests.
With injuries piling up in New York's backcourt, Kolek has finally gotten playing time and has impressed. He has logged 8, 9, and 7 assists with just a single turnover over the last three games.
What makes those numbers especially impressive is that he played fewer than 20 minutes in each of those contests.
Knicks vs Bucks same-game parlay
Tyler Kolek Over 6.5 assists
Brook Lopez Over 15.5 points
Knicks ML
With Lillard sidelined, there have been more shots to go around for the Milwaukee Bucks other players and center Brook Lopez has been the main beneficiary.
The veteran big man is coming off a 26-point performance against the Nuggets and has scored more than 20 points in three straight games.
I'm expecting Kolek to do an admirable job at PG and with Karl-Anthony Towns, O.G. Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Hart, the rest of New York's starting lineup is formidable.
As long as Giannis Antetokounmpo (questionable) suits up for the Bucks, they have a strong frontcourt, but they don't have the wings to hang with New York on the perimeter.
The Knicks destroyed the Bucks by more than 20 points in both of the previous meetings this season and are now 4-0 SU and ATS in the last four games in the head-to-head.
This line is set at close to a pick'em, and New York is 7-2 in close games (decided by three or fewer points), while the Bucks are just 5-9 in those situations.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Knicks vs Bucks odds
Knicks vs Bucks live odds
Knicks vs Bucks opening odds
- Spread: New York -1 | Milwaukee +1
- Moneyline: New York -115 | Milwaukee -105
- Over/Under: Over 221.5 | Under 221.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Knicks vs Bucks spread and Over/Under analysis
- Early money came in on the Under, dropping the total from 221.5 to 217.5.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo is questionable after missing Wednesday's game in Denver but already has player props available, indicating he'll likely play.
- Since the injury to Brunson, the Knicks have gone 5-4 straight up and against the spread.
- The Bucks return home after a five-game road trip and are 2-2 SU and 4-0 ATS since losing Lillard.
Knicks vs Bucks trend
The Knicks have hit the first half game total Under in 19 of their last 29 games (+8.85 Units / 27% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Bucks.
How to watch Knicks vs Bucks
| Location | Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI |
| Date | Friday, 3-28-2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | MSG, FanDuel Sports Network - Wisconsin |
Knicks vs Bucks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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