Can the Knicks make it three in a row against a downsized Milwaukee roster?
The New York Knicks are looking to get their third straight win against the Milwaukee Bucks in tonight’s game inside Madison Square Garden, but it comes with a twist.
Injury Report
The Bucks are listing Giannis Antetokounmpo as questionable heading into tonight’s matchup, putting the Greek Freak’s status on the court in jeopardy. Giannis hasn’t appeared in Milwaukee’s past four games, all of which the Bucks have lost, adding to their six-game losing streak on the season.
The team is already dealing with long-term injuries through Taurean Prince and Kevin Porter Jr., and has already been facing the consequences of mid-season setbacks. Currently posting an 8-11 record, they rank 11th in the Eastern Conference amid a season that Doc Rivers hasn’t been able to get back on track.
As for the Knicks, they’re looking to roll with the same roster they dealt on Wednesday night against the Charlotte Hornets, with both Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson back as healthy. Landry Shamet is listed as out, as he will take the next month to rehab a right shoulder injury he suffered a week ago.
OG Anunoby is also listed as out ahead of tonight’s game, as he continues to rest from a hamstring strain. The original idea was that Anunoby would be ready to return to the starting lineup amid New York’s five-game road trip, but he still needs a bit of time. The Knicks went 3-2 in their last five appearances, in what were either scrappy wins or ugly losses.
NBA Cup Stakes
The Knicks look to keep the momentum on their side as they try to win three games in a row and potentially secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup. The Knicks have been on fire as of late in the tournament, and would hold the tiebreaker over the Miami Heat if they finished with a 3-1 record. They would go on to face the Toronto Raptors or Orlando Magic on the road, as both teams are undefeated.
Head coach Mike Brown will more than likely look to start Josh Hart alongside the starters, as he’s been a better fit than Robinson. Hart is back to averaging double-digit scoring on the season, putting up 10.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists on 38.3% three-point shooting. In November, Hart has been lights out from deep range, posting nearly 44% in that category.
Tune in tonight, as this could be a highly anticipated matchup or potentially an easy win.