Milwaukee Bucks host New York Knicks in a crucial game – NBA Preview
The Milwaukee Bucks will host the New York Knicks on Wednesday night at the Bradley Center, in what may be one of the most important matches of the remaining season for both teams.
The New York Knicks are at 8th place in the Eastern conference at the moment, only 1 win ahead of Milwaukee. Both teams are fighting for the last playoff spot and this match could possibly be decisive. Milwaukee are
up 2-1 in the season series against the Knicks. A win Wednesday will give them the series and a tie-break advantage if they end the season with the same record.
The Bucks won the 20th January game 100-86 and the March 9th fixture 119-114. New York however won the last game against the Bucks on 26th March 89-80.
In the 20th January win, Bucks went 47.6% from the field compared to 37% for New York. They also shot better from the 3 point range and outscored the Knicks in rebounds and assists, while committing fewer turnovers than
them. Milwaukee also had 50 points in the paint compared to 28 for New York.
In the March 9th victory, the Bucks were again impressive from the field, going 55.4% as compared to 48.4% from New York. New York shot better from beyond the arc, but lost it in the end. They however bounced back on
March 26th under interim coach Mike Woodson to win 89-80. New York did not put up a strong offensive effort but played well defensively, reducing the Bucks to only 80, who had scored 100 plus points in their previous two fixtures. New York led the
Bucks in rebounding, grabbing 54 against 41 by the Bucks.
Carmelo has been key for New York against Milwaukee, averaging 27.3 points per game. Milwaukee need to find an answer for him. New York will be playing without Jeremy Lin and Amare Stoudemire, who were both effective against Milwaukee.
A lot now depends on Tyson Chandler and Landry Fields. They need to have a big night if the New York want to win Wednesday.
For the Bucks, Brandon Jennings has been a success against New York, averaging 25.3 points in their previous 3 encounters. However, in both wins, he had some help offensively from his team mates. The Bucks will look to get good
numbers from other starters as well, and play offensive and aggressive basketball.
Both teams are desperate for a win and both are motivated by the thought of reaching the playoffs. They have lost their last game coming into this match and it all depends on who plays better on that night.
It will be a defensive battle on Wednesday as both teams are very strong offensively. The team who plays better defense will eventually take the win. We will have to wait and see who that will be.
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