With Detroit leapfrogging Milwaukee into the No. 5 spot, the No. 3 vs. No. 6 first-round playoff matchup has a new look. A Knicks victory over the Bucks on Friday would accomplish two crucial goals: slowing the surging No. 4 Indiana Pacers, who now trail New York by just 2.5 games, and solidifying the Bucks’ current position at No. 6.

It’s the third straight year the Knicks have made the postseason and the fourth time in five years during the Tom Thibodeau era.

Indiana has the 10th-ranked offense and 16th-ranked defense this season. Since Jan. 1, Indiana’s offense ranks seventh and its defense ranks 13th, both better than New York. Still, the Knicks are 2-1 against the Pacers. Indiana didn’t have Myles Turner in one of its losses, though, and New York didn’t have OG Anunoby in that game.

Analyzing Friday’s New York Knicks at Milwaukee Bucks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

Two top-six teams in the Eastern Conference, both missing key stars, face off Friday night as the Milwaukee Bucks host the New York Knicks.

After failing to clinch a spot for themselves, the Atlanta Hawks' loss to the Heat on Thursday helped the Knicks clinch a spot in the 2024-25 NBA Playoffs.

The Knicks have more than enough after all. Down Jalen Brunson (ankle), Miles McBride (groin) and Cameron Payne (ankle), the Knicks were down to their fourth- and fifth-string point guards for Friday night’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Two of the top six teams in the East face off when the Bucks host the Knicks on Friday night. Taurean Prince guards OG Anunoby in last matchup on Jan. 12, 2025. The New York Knicks (45-27) pay a visit to the Milwaukee Bucks (40-32) on Friday (8 ET,

If Knicks guard Tyler Kolek can improve his shooting and be a factor on defense, he could find a permanent spot in the rotation.