Bucks (22-10) vs. Knicks (9-25), 12:00 PM, ESPN:
Historically the early start has a tendency to be a sleepy affair. However, there is the matter of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo vowing revenge for Mario Hezonja‘s step over taunt at the Mecca. Coincidentally, that overtime match is one of the Knicks nine victories this season.
With most eyes focused on the later marquee matches, GA will want to remind NBA fans of his freakish athleticism. This is the first Christmas game for the six year pro .
The Bucks have separated themselves into the upper echelon through a third of the season. To wit, they are one of seven teams who’ve cleared the 20 win threshold and among eight teams with a winning road record.
The Bucks, Raptors and Nuggets are in a rare club with plus .500 records at home, on the road, versus both conferences and also rank in the top 10 of the big three stat categories (offense, defense, net differential).
The Knicks are clearly looking at the lottery but David Fizdale has been masterful with his sqaud. In particular a slew of players who didn’t fit with their old sqauds are getting second chances and making the best of them. I remember being extremely high on Noah Vonleh in his draft class only to watch him fade into the background. How he’s playing in New York is much closer to the expectations those of us who liked him presumed would occur organically in his first or second season. The fact he’s added a reliable perimeter shot is a testament to his hard work.
David Fizdale may not be screaming about data, but this Knicks squad (albeit only on nine occasions) still isn’t a squad teams can ignore especially if Tim Hardaway starts hitting early or Thunder friend Enes Kanter has a big game.
It’s likely an easy Bucks victory- but you never know what will happen in the Mecca!