If the NBA playoffs began today, the No. 3-seeded New York Knicks would take on the No. 6-seeded Milwaukee Bucks. Fortunately for all involved—specifically Jalen Brunson and Damian Lillard—the postseason does not start today.
March 28: Matchup
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Brunson and Lillard remain sidelined due to injury-related issues. Although the latest news suggests Brunson will return before the playoffs, Lillard’s case is a bit more mysterious—which makes sense anytime a blood cot is involved.
Nonetheless, the show must go on, and on Friday night, the Knicks and Bucks will preview a potential first-round playoff matchup in Milwaukee.
Can New York find something without Brunson?
Make no mistake about it: Nobody could possibly label Jalen Brunson’s injury as a positive for the team. When drilling to the core of the matter, Brunson’s ankle sprain is wholly a net negative.
At the same time, that doesn’t mean specific positives are unachievable.
Pat Riley’s 1993-94 Eastern Conference Champion Knickerbocker squad limped down the regular-season stretch. First-time NBA All-Star John Starks missed the final 23 games of the season with a knee injury.
New York was forced to play more of its bench players, and others in the backcourt were forced to step up. The likes of Derek Harper and Hubert Davis did just that, which carried over into the playoffs.
Can Tyler Kolek capitalize on his opportunity?
The current Knicks haven’t exactly seen the same positives. Well, that is until Tyler Kolek’s somewhat impressive stretch.
The Knicks rookie guard received extended minutes in each of the last three games while putting forth an excellent assist-to-turnover ratio. In 56 minutes, the Marquette product has tallied 24 assists to just 1 turnover.
Whether or not Kolek can build upon the solid stretch is now up to him. With Brunson already out, Kolek saw more action thanks to Duece McBride’s injury. Now that Cameron Payne is also likely to miss Friday night’s game, Kolek may receive the start.
Knicks vs. Bucks odds
- New York Knicks -1 (-108)
- Milwaukee Bucks +1 (-112)
- Knicks Moneyline: -112
- Bucks Moneyline: -104
- Knicks-Bucks Over-Under Total: 218 (O: -110, U: -110)
FanDuel Sportsbook lists the New York Knicks as 1-point (-108) road underdogs against the Milwaukee Bucks (+1, -112).
Knicks vs. Bucks TV info
- Game Date: Friday, March 28, 2025
- Game Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- TV Channel: MSG Networks (Knicks regional coverage) and FDSWI (Bucks regional coverage)
The New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks will tip off from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, WI, at 8:00 p.m. ET. MSG Networks will provide regional Knicks coverage.
