The New York Knicks travel to Fiserv Forum to face the Milwaukee Bucks on February 27, 2026, in an important Eastern Conference matchup. The Knicks are pushing for a top position in the standings and have been one of the most consistent teams this season. Milwaukee, despite an uneven overall record, has shown strong recent form and remains dangerous at home.
The biggest storyline for this game is the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, which shifts the balance toward New York. With Karl-Anthony Towns in strong form and Jalen Brunson leading the offense, the Knicks will look to control the game early. Meanwhile, the Bucks will rely on their three-point shooting and recent momentum to keep the contest competitive.
Match Details
| Match | New York Knicks vs Milwaukee Bucks |
|---|---|
| Date | February 27, 2026 |
| Venue | Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee |
| Tip-off | 8:00 PM ET |
| Broadcast | MSG, FDS Wisconsin |
| Spread | Knicks -8.5 |
| Over/Under | Around 218–219 points |
Team Standings & Season Performance
| Team | Record | Conference Status |
|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks | 37–22 | Eastern Conference contender |
| Milwaukee Bucks | 26–31 | Mid-table, fighting for consistency |
The Knicks have been the more stable team throughout the season, while Milwaukee are trying to recover after a slow start.
Recent Form: Last Games Overview
New York Knicks
- Won 10 of last 14 games
- Overall last 10: 6–4
- Coming off a loss to Cleveland
- Averaging 117.1 points per game
Milwaukee Bucks
- Won 8 of last 10 games
- 4 wins in last 5 games
- Recently defeated Cleveland and Miami
- Strong home scoring performances
Both teams enter with good recent momentum, but New York have been more consistent over a longer stretch.
Also see: Most Points Scored in an NBA Game
Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Result |
|---|---|
| Season series | Tied 1–1 |
| Last meeting | Knicks won 118–109 |
| Recent trend | Home team has won 4 of last 5 matchups |
| All-time (recent sample) | Knicks lead recent meetings |
This matchup has been competitive, with each team capable of winning depending on form and venue.
Injury Report
| Team | Player | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bucks | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Out (Calf) |
| Bucks | Taurean Prince | Out |
| Knicks | Miles McBride | Out |
| Knicks | Others | Available |
Giannis’ absence is a major factor, especially on both offense and defense.
Key Team Statistics
New York Knicks
| Stat | Average | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Points Scored | 117.1 | Top 10 |
| Points Allowed | 111.7 | Top 10 defense |
| Rebounds | 45.9 | Top tier |
| Assists | 27.0 | Strong ball movement |
New York combine efficient offense with solid defensive structure.
Milwaukee Bucks
| Stat | Average |
|---|---|
| Points Scored | 112.4 |
| Points Allowed | 115.4 |
| Rebounds | 41.2 |
| Three-point % | Around 39% (team strength) |
Milwaukee rely heavily on perimeter shooting but struggle defensively.
Players to Watch
New York Knicks
- Jalen Brunson – 26.7 PPG, team leader and MVP-level play
- Karl-Anthony Towns – 20.0 PPG, 11.7 RPG, strong February form
- OG Anunoby – 16.0 PPG, two-way impact
- Josh Hart – Rebounding and hustle plays
Towns is expected to play a bigger offensive role, especially after limited touches in the last game.
Milwaukee Bucks
- Kevin Porter Jr. – 18.2 PPG, 7.6 APG, main creator
- Ryan Rollins – 17.2 PPG
- Bobby Portis – 13.2 PPG, strong inside presence
- Kyle Kuzma / Myles Turner – Supporting scoring and defense
Without Giannis, the Bucks rely on balanced scoring rather than a single superstar.
Tactical Matchup Analysis
Why Knicks Have the Edge
- Better overall defense
- Strong rebounding advantage
- Efficient ball movement
- Giannis unavailable for Milwaukee
- More consistent season performance
Where Bucks Can Compete
- Excellent three-point shooting (around 39%)
- Strong recent form at home
- Faster scoring bursts if perimeter shots fall
If Milwaukee shoot well from deep, they can keep the game close.
Betting Trends & Insights
- Knicks average 224+ total points in recent games
- Bucks are 8–2 ATS in last 10
- Knicks struggle ATS on the road (10–18)
- Combined team average: around 229 points
- Many recent games for both teams have gone over the total
Best Picks for Knicks vs Bucks
| Market | Pick |
|---|---|
| Spread | Knicks -8.5 |
| Total | Over 218.5 |
| Player Prop | Karl-Anthony Towns Over 18.5 points |
| Player Prop | Jalen Brunson Over 26+ points |
| Value Pick | Bobby Portis Over 9.5 points |
Predicted Score
New York Knicks 116 – Milwaukee Bucks 112
The game should remain competitive, but New York’s balance and defensive edge give them the advantage.
This matchup features two teams in good recent form, but the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo changes the outlook significantly. The Knicks have the stronger roster, better defense, and multiple scoring options led by Brunson and Towns.
Milwaukee’s three-point shooting and home advantage will keep the game tight, but New York’s overall consistency should help them secure a road win. Expect a high-scoring contest with efficient offense from both sides.
