Game Preview: Knicks at Bucks, February 27, 2026

The New York Knicks (37*-22) face the Milwaukee Bucks (26-31) tonight at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. This Eastern Conference matchup gives the Knicks a chance to clinch the season series after splitting the first two games. The Knicks have gone 6-4 over their last 10 games, while the Bucks have won 8 of their last 10.

The last meeting came on November 28, 2025, when the Knicks won 118-109 at home. Jalen Brunson led New York with 37 points, and Josh Hart added 19 points with 15 rebounds. Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists.

The Bucks have had a stormy season—something of a Greek tragedy, if you will. Sitting 11th in the East, the once mighty deer are fighting for a play-in spot. They rank 20th in offensive rating (114.2), 22nd in defensive rating (117.4), and 24th in points per game (112.4). Although they are an excellent shooting team (39% 3P%), they lag in pace (22nd) and net rating (22nd).

Doc Rivers’ club leans heavily on Ryan Rollins, who averages 17.2 points per game. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains elite when healthy, leading the league in 2-point field goals per game (10)—but he’s OUT tonight with a calf issue. Bobby Portis provides bench scoring and shooting, hitting 45% from three, and Myles Turner anchors the paint.

The Bucks beat the Cavaliers on Wednesday by two. Their likely starting lineup tonight will be, Rollins, A.J. Green, Kyle Kuzma (12.9 PPG), Portis, and Turner.

The Bucks injury report lists Antetokounmpo and Taurean Prince (neck) as OUT. New York’s list mentions only Deuce McBride, still recovering from his hernia surgery.

Prediction

ESPN gives the Knicks a 76% chance of winning tonight. Generous! The Bucks aren’t having a great season, but they’ve beaten the Thunder, Magic, Heat, and Cavs in recent games. On paper and screen, the Knicks are the better team—they just don’t always play like it. Still, they’ve had two days off and this will be a good warm-up match before their Sunday matinee at home against the Spurs. Motivated and rested, Knicks win by seven.

Game Details

Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
Time: 8 PM ET
Place: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
TV: MSG
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky

* Should be one more, but the Cup Final was a trick of the eye.