Courtside Players Club (11/03/23)

NBA

(1 Pick)

7:30PM EST: Knicks +6 (2 Units)

The new looks Bucks are off to a bumpy start. Their offense certainly upgraded from the Jrue Holiday/Lillard trade but their defense has taken a hit. Through 4 games they've allowed a league worst 60.9% eFG%. Last season they allowed an eFG% of just 52.5%. They also moved on from Head Coach Mike Budenholzer who had been there from 2018-2023. A lot of new things going on in Milwaukee and they've been sluggish out of the gate because of it. They're 2-2 with a couple blowout losses, a 1 point win over PHI and an 8 point win over the Heat.

The Knicks currently sit at 2-3 but have remained competitive in every loss. Their biggest lost came by 9 to a good 4-1 Pelicans team. They also competed with this Milwaukee squad last season. They lost all 3 games by 9, 6, and 3. That Milwaukee team is better than this current Bucks team. The Knicks also score the majority of their points from the back-court. It's a + match-up for the Knicks as Milwaukee doesn't have many good on ball defenders after losing holiday. The Knicks also added former Buck Donte DiVincenzo which added back-court depth. Knicks also have the continuity aspect going for them from last season. The Knicks should be able to keep this close.