Bucks At Knicks Preview: A Bettors Perspective
Jan 20th, 2012 by PJ LaFerla
Betting Line:
Milwaukee Bucks (+6)
New York Knicks (-6)
Over/Under 190
Game Time 7:35 EST
Right about now you are probably thinking to yourself – out of all the games on the board what would make him preview the match-up between the Bucks and Knicks? First off, I approach every game the same and don’t get caught up in televised games or marquee type match-ups solely for that reason. I get caught up in winning money and if my research and analysis points me to a game as such (which is obviously has) then I make my play.
GAME ANALYSIS:
The Milwaukee Bucks (4-9) are easily one of the worst teams in the league. They can’t buy a win on the road (0-8) this season, nor can they cover. They have only managed one against the spread victory when playing out of their building. The only positive to this team is that they have a defensive minded head coach in Scott Skiles and he does his best to instill these qualities onto his players; but unfortunately for them, you still need to score in this league to win, and that is something that does not come easy for the Bucks. They ranked dead last in field goal percentage (43%) and 24th in three-point shooting (34%) last year and show no signs of improving those numbers thus far into the young season.
The Knicks (6-8) have been a disappointment to their fans, the city of New York and the bettors through the first fourteen games of the season. They are the worst team in the league against the spread – covering only 21% of their games. One would think to start the season with a super-star roster like the Knicks have put together, they would have their sites set on a trip to the NBA Finals, but instead they are fighting just to pull above the .500 mark. Statistically, the Bucks and Knicks have comparable numbers, but as I mentioned earlier the Bucks cannot win on the road. You might question as to why the Odds-makers set this line at 6, but I don’t care! I just look for value and the Knicks at home against the lowly Bucks at -6 is definitely good news for the Knicks as they try to improve on their three wins against the spread tonight.
WHO TO BET ON?
When making my selection on this game, two things stick out immediately – 1) The Knicks are a far better team than their record suggests 2) The Bucks really are this bad and their talent can’t match anywhere near what the Knicks have on the floor on a regular basis. As disappointing and as bad as the Knicks have been thus far, all is not lost on the season by any means. Look for the Knicks to jump start a winning streak tonight at home with a blowout win over the Bucks. This game will not even be close. Take full advantage of the -6 the Knicks are laying because I would not be surprised if they win this game by at least 20 points.
Make your play on the Knicks to cover the point spread!
SOME OTHER INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS GAME!
~ The Bucks are 6-1 straight up against the Knicks over the last 3 seasons.
~ The Bucks have lost 5 straight games on the road.
~ The Knicks are 3-7 straight up in its last 10 games at home.
~ The Knicks are 1-6 straight up in its last 7 games when playing the Bucks.
~ The total has gone UNDER in 7 of the Knicks last 8 games.
PREDICTION:
Knicks 94, Bucks 79
PJ Laferla is a practicing freelance writer, professional handicapper, and the founder of SportsInput.com. If you are interested in hiring PJ Laferla for freelance writing or for winning picks against the spread, please submit all inquires to PJ@sportsinput.com.