The Milwaukee Bucks visit Madison Square Garden on Friday for an NBA Cup matchup with the New York Knicks, with injury updates likely to influence the game flow.
Milwaukee enters on a six-game losing streak at 8–11, while the Knicks ride a two-game winning streak, standing 11–6 after recent road victories over Charlotte and Brooklyn.
The teams met once this season on October 28, with the Bucks winning 121–111 at home behind a balanced scoring attack.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as questionable for Milwaukee with a left adductor strain, leaving uncertainty around the team’s primary scorer who is averaging 31.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 13 games.
Without Giannis, the Bucks would lean on Ryan Rollins, who has averaged 18.6 points and 5.9 assists, and Myles Turner, contributing 13.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
Supporting players like Kyle Kuzma (13.3 PPG) and A.J. Green (10.8 PPG, 48% from three) are expected to play larger roles if Milwaukee’s star forward sits.
New York faces notable setbacks with OG Anunoby out due to a left hamstring strain and Landry Shamet sidelined by a right shoulder sprain.
Jalen Brunson leads the Knicks offensively, averaging 28.6 points and 6.3 assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns adds 22.4 points and 12.3 rebounds per game.
Mikal Bridges continues to provide perimeter scoring and defensive versatility, contributing 16.4 points per game and 2.1 steals, a key factor against Milwaukee’s shooters.
Josh Hart (10.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG) and Miles McBride (10.6 PPG, 2.5 RPG) will likely see increased responsibilities to offset New York’s missing pieces.
Milwaukee’s recent losses to Miami and Portland highlighted struggles in scoring balance and defensive execution, particularly without full contributions from Antetokounmpo.
