Milwaukee Bucks at NY Knicks Predictions 12/12/21

Milwaukee Bucks (17-10 SU, 11-16 ATS) vs. New York Knicks (12-14 SU, 11-15 ATS)
When: Sunday December 12 2021, 12:00 PM (ET)
Where: Madison Square Garden: New York, New York
TV: MSG Network

Point Spread: MIL -4.5/NYK 4.5 (Opened at MIL -4.5)
Total: 217.0 (Opened at 217)
Money Line: Milwaukee -195/New York +165)
Power Rating: MIL -4
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Probable Starting Lineups

Bucks: PG Jrue Holiday, SG Grayson Allen, SF Khris Middleton, PF Giannis Antetokounmpo, C Brook Lopez
New York Knicks: PG Alec Burks, SG Evan Fournier, SF RJ Barrett, PF Julius Randle, C Mitchell Robinson

Key Injuries

Bucks Donte DiVincenzo: foot (OUT) George Hill: knee (QUESTIONABLE) Brook Lopez: back (OUT) Semi Ojeleye: calf (OUT)

Knicks No Reported Injuries

Recent Form

The Milwaukee Bucks enter today’s game, having won eight of their past ten games. When playing away from home, the Bucks are an above .500 team, having gone 8-6. As the road team, Milwaukee travels to New York with a positive plus-minus of rating of 1.1 points. Overall the Bucks are ranked 4th among NBA teams in point differential (5.7). So far, they have played the 10th easiest schedule.

For bettors, taking the Milwaukee Bucks to cover the spread has been a losing bet as they are covering the spread in 40.70%% of their games. Their season-long plus-minus against the spread is -0.9.

On offense, the team’s leading scorer is SF Giannis Antetokounmpo. So far, Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.63 points per game. The Greek Freak has also been in charge of cleaning up the glass, hauling in 11.79 boards per game. This output places him 2nd among small forwards. The Bucks’ best three-point shooter has been Grayson Allen, connecting on 3.0 shots from downtown per game.

The New York Knicks enter today’s game, having lost two straight games. This streak is part of a more significant trend, having gone just 3-7 in their last ten games. As they take on the Bucks at home, New York has a negative home plus-minus of -3.9 points. Overall the Knicks are ranked 20th among NBA teams in point differential (1.7) while playing the 15th toughest schedule.

For bettors, taking the New York Knicks to cover the spread has been a losing bet as they are covering the spread in 42.30% of their games. Their season-long plus-minus against the spread is -3.1.

On offense, the team’s leading scorer is PF Julius Randle. So far, Randle is averaging 19.54 points per game while pulling down ten rebounds. The Knicks’ best three-point shooter has been Evan Fournier, connecting on 2.54 shots from downtown per game.

An Eye On Pace

The Bucks and Knicks come into this game looking to play at different speeds. Through 27 games, Milwaukee is ranked 8th in pace, averaging 99.4 possessions per game. With this up-tempo style, the team is ranked 4th in three-point attempts. On the other side, New York is the 6th slowest team in the NBA. However, they sit just outside the top 10 in attempts from behind the arc.

Efficiencies And Matchups

On the year, the Milwaukee Bucks have been able to connect on their three-point shots at a rate of 36%, placing them 7th in the NBA. Milwaukee has also done a good job getting to the line, averaging 21.4 attempts per game. However, given that Giannis Antetokounmpo is the primary recipient of these trips, the team ranks just 23rd in percentage. Look for this game to feature a lot of three-point shooting as New York takes 41.6% of their shots from outside. Defensively, Milwaukee gives up more three-point shots than any other team in the NBA.

The Historicals

So far this year, the Bucks and Knicks have already met up for two games. So far, each team has won their opponent’s home court. Neither game has been particularly close, with the margin of victories being 15 and 12.

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How the Public is Betting the Warriors vs. 76ers

84% are betting the Bucks against the spread.
98% are wagering on the game to go under the posted total of 216

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• The Bucks are 6-15 ATS in their last 21 games vs. a team with a losing straight-up record.
• The Bucks are 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games.
• The Knicks are 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall.
• The Knicks are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games as an underdog.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

This game features two teams heading in opposite directions. After getting off to a strong start, the New York Knicks have struggled to pick up wins. Adjustments to their lineups have not made a difference, as the team has fallen to 12th in the Eastern Conference. On the other side, Milwaukee has won eight of their last ten games. The key to this streak has been the return of Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday. Look for the Bucks to win this game and cover the spread in New York.

Prop Bets Worth Wagering

It hasn’t taken long for Khris Middleton to get back in a groove as he has scored at least 20 points in 6 straight games. Look for this streak to continue in New York. Look for a big game from the Bucks forward on their way to a win.