Bucks Struggling, Knicks Looking to Bounce Back at Home
Milwaukee Bucks Struggling to Find Their Groove, New York Knicks Hope for a Homecourt Boost
This Friday, the New York Knicks (3-4) host the struggling Milwaukee Bucks (1-6) at Madison Square Garden, with both teams hoping to rebound from slow starts to the 2024-2025 NBA season. While the Bucks are mired in an eight-game losing streak, the Knicks are looking to capitalize on the advantage of home-court play, coming off a challenging four-game road trip.
The Bucks will enter this matchup with a sense of urgency, as their disappointing start has left many questioning their early-season form. Meanwhile, the Knicks are hoping to regain the momentum they built last season and improve upon their current home record, which has been lackluster so far.
Milwaukee Bucks Struggling to Break Their Losing Streak
The Bucks have been one of the more perplexing teams in the NBA so far this season. After winning their season opener against a depleted Philadelphia 76ers squad, they’ve been winless in their last eight games, including four straight losses on the road. The team’s talent, including superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and newly acquired Damian Lillard, has not translated into consistent results, leaving fans and analysts puzzled by their struggles.
Milwaukee’s defense has been a major issue. Despite ranking eighth in the NBA in field-goal percentage (46.2%), the Bucks have been giving up points at a concerning rate. They rank in the bottom third of the league in several key defensive metrics, including opponent field-goal percentage (24th), and have allowed more than 115 points in five of their eight losses. This is especially troubling as they head into a matchup against a New York team that can score with ease when it finds its rhythm.
The injury report has only added to the Bucks’ troubles. Forward Khris Middleton (ankle) remains sidelined, and Giannis Antetokounmpo (adductor) is day-to-day, leaving the team without two of their key playmakers. While Lillard has been playing at a high level, averaging 27.6 points per game, the absence of Giannis has further exposed Milwaukee’s lack of depth, especially on the defensive end. Without their star player, the Bucks will need to rely heavily on Lillard and the remaining healthy contributors to change their fortunes.
New York Knicks Looking to Reclaim Home Advantage
The Knicks enter this contest with mixed results from their recent road trip, having lost two of their last four games, including disappointing defeats to Atlanta and Houston. However, New York is glad to be back at Madison Square Garden, where they’ve historically performed better, and they’ll look to reignite their homecourt success starting Friday night.
New York‘s offense has been potent, ranking fifth in field-goal percentage (47.9%) and leading the league in three-point shooting (39.7%). The Knicks have benefitted from the strong play of point guard Jalen Brunson, who is averaging 25.3 points per game and has been a steadying force on offense. Karl-Anthony Towns, acquired in the offseason, has also quickly found his role, contributing 23.1 points per game, adding to the team’s scoring depth. With six players averaging double-figures in scoring, the Knicks boast one of the most balanced attacks in the league.
The Knicks have also benefitted from strong perimeter shooting, an area where Milwaukee has struggled defensively. With the Bucks ranked 24th in opponent three-point percentage (36.8%), New York will look to exploit this weakness and stretch the defense. The Knicks’ offensive depth, combined with their ability to shoot from beyond the arc, should give them an edge in this matchup, especially if they can keep up the offensive production while Milwaukee fights through their defensive lapses.
However, the Knicks are not without their own injury concerns. Center Mitchell Robinson and forward Precious Achiuwa are both out for Friday’s game, leaving a hole in their frontcourt. Additionally, point guard Cam Payne (hamstring) is day-to-day, which could affect New York’s depth in the backcourt. Despite these injuries, New York’s overall health is far better than that of the Bucks, which has given them the edge in terms of availability and cohesion.
Conclusion
With both teams having significant points to prove, this game will be crucial for the direction of their seasons. The Bucks are in desperate need of a win to stop their slide, while the Knicks will look to take advantage of their homecourt to build momentum. Expect a fast-paced, high-scoring game, with New York hoping to capitalize on Milwaukee’s defensive deficiencies. However, if Giannis returns to the lineup, the Bucks could have enough firepower to challenge the Knicks, making this a must-watch matchup.
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