NBA picks: Knicks vs. Bucks prediction, odds, over/under, spread, injury report for In-Season Tournament quarterfinal

The New York Knicks (12-7) take on the Milwaukee Bucks (14-6) in the quarterfinals of the NBA in-season tournament on Tuesday, December 5. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

Jae Crowder (groin) and Pat Connaugton (ankle) are out for the Bucks, and Andre Jackson Jr. (back) is questionable. For the Knicks, Evan Fournier and DaQuan Jeffries are both questionable with an illness.

The Bucks enter as 5-point favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at 229. Milwaukee is -198 on the moneyline while New York is +164.

Knicks vs. Bucks, 7:30 p.m. ET

Pick ATS: Bucks -5

I don’t think this is going to be a blowout. The Knicks will keep this one close throughout the entire game and will be able to beat the Bucks’ defense. The Knicks bring tons of effort and energy to the court every time, and this will be no difference. But despite what will no doubt be a big performance from Jalen Brunson, the Knicks just don’t have a match for the Bucks’ superstars in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. The Bucks have only lost once at home this season, and I see them pulling away with free throws at the end to sneak over this spread.

Over/Under: Over 229

The Bucks’ defense is not particularly impressive this year and ranks 23rd in the NBA in points allowed per game. The Knicks, on the other hand, have a fantastic defense, but are going up against two of the top scorers in the league here. I think we’re going to see a fast-paced shootout start to unfold as the game goes on, especially with the In-Season Tournament semifinal spot on the line. The last time these two teams faced off this season, they totaled 215 points. I’ll take the over for this one.