Post by Skip Bayless (Bball26 Analyst) on Jan 30, 2023 17:53:23 GMT -5
#3 New York Knicks (20-9) vs. #6 Milwaukee Bucks (19-10)
A storied rivalry writes another chapter in 2023 with Sood taking on Jacob once again in the playoffs. However, with the Bucks deciding to sell off and focus on next season, this game may not be as exciting as it looked a week ago. That being said, the Bucks still have Giannis, Dejounte, and LaMelo and those 3 have the potential to carry any team into the next round. The Knicks come into this week with some concern about OG's availability and no Lebron on Monday, but should still have the depth to comfortably win.
It's been a long season for the Bucks to say the least. LaMelo has battled multiple ankle injuries, Dejounte has had to adjust playing next to Trae Young, and even ironman Giannis has missed more games than usual due to persistent knee issues. All 3 come into this week relatively healthy, but recent trade acquisition Robert Williams is battling ankle injuries of his own and only has 2 opportunities to play this week. To cap it off, the Bucks cut Batum and traded Jevon Carter yesterday at the deadline, showing a lack of faith in the roster this season. Bruce Brown barely made it past the deadline as a Bucks with rumors of him going to New Orleans or Golden State. TLDR - this doesn't seem like a team that's destined for a prolonged playoff run after back to back championships.
The Knicks on the other hand have played this season like a team/GM with a chip on their shoulder. In true Jalaj style, trades have been made left and right no matter how good of a player you may be. The Knicks are another team that has battled injuries/rest days for much of the year and the Knicks will likely need to beat the Bucks without OG Anunoby after a scary fall last week. On the bright side, Rozier has been very consistent recently as a FP scorer, Dinwiddie should continue to take on a larger role as long as Luka is out, and Lebron is playing like a man possessed even with AD back. To me, this one is easy to cap. Knicks should steamroll the Bucks.
Bucks X-factor: Can any of the studs blow up for a ceiling game once or twice this week?
Knicks X-factor: Avoid any more injuries
Caleb's pick: Knicks
Tyler's pick: Knicks
Sarge's pick: Bucks
Skip's pick: Knicks