The New York Knicks are one of the hottest teams in basketball. Tuesday’s opponent, the Milwaukee Bucks, are on the other end of the spectrum.

After an extremely rough 0-3 start, the Knicks have bounced back, now standing at 5-4 and the fifth seed in the East. Milwaukee is in a six-game skid and sit last in the conference at 1-9.

The Knicks currently have one of the best defenses in the league, holding four of their last six opponents to less than 100.

Their 104.2 opponent points per game ranks tied for first in the Association, along with the fifth-lowest opponent field goal percentage at 43.3. 

Their last bout was a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, a team the Knicks have seen many times in recent years. New York led that game by 19 at one point and 18 going into the fourth, with a Donovan Mitchell garbage-time showing making it look much closer than it really was. Jalen Brunson’s dominance has come into full swing in this past week, winning Eastern Conference Player of the Week. In that span, he is averaging 27.7 points and 6.3 assists, shooting 48.3% from the field and 42.9% from long range. Against the Cavs, he had 31 points with a season-high six rebounds and nine assists.

The Bucks, however, are not looking as optimistic: Last in the East and tied for last in the NBA, with statistically one of the worst offenses and defenses as well. They’ve lost their last two games by a combined 34 points, with their last matchup against the Celtics being a 118-97 loss. The Bucks’ primary scoring option, Tyler Herro, who’s averaging 21.4 points on 39.7% from 3-point, shot just five-for-twelve with 13 points. Milwaukee’s rookies, Brayden Burries and Nate Ament, continue to show positive signs for the future in a city that just watched its baseball brothers hoist a championship.

What to expect: a Guard Showcase

Whether it’s Brunson, Tyler Kolek, or Miles McBride, one of these guys will take the lead. Milwaukee has given up great games to teams’ guards all season: 27 from Alijah Martin, 10 points and 16 assists from Jamal Shead, 24 points and seven assists from Derrick White, 34 from Lamelo Ball, 24 from Fred VanVleet, 22 points and nine assists from Tyrese Haliburton. 

Despite his shooting struggles, Kolek has become the unsung hero for this Knicks team. Other than the problems he’s giving Swifties nationwide, his 5.1 assists per game in just 12.4 minutes per game have been something to watch. 

Keep an eye on: Mohamed Diawara

Josh Hart has missed the last three games with an ankle injury, and Diawara has played in each of those games. His versatility on offense is something the Knicks have definitely benefited from. Against the Bulls, he racked up eight points, six rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. Hart was downgraded to doubtful for tonight with an illness, so if he doesn’t play, there’s a good chance Diawara sees the hardwood.

Buck to watch: Brayden Burries

The 10th overall pick for the Bucks has quietly been putting up a solid rookie campaign, and is coming off of two good showings. Burries put up 13 points, eight rebounds, and four assists against the Celtics and followed it up with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists against the Raptors. 

He hasn’t been much of a 3-point threat, averaging just 22.2% from beyond the arc, but the Knicks allow the 10th highest 3-point percentage. Herro comes into tonight questionable with a right knee, and if he’s out, this could be Burries’ big break.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm EST. New York opens this game as -15.5 point favorites at home in Madison Square Garden.