Analyzing Friday’s New York Knicks at Milwaukee Bucks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New York Knicks (45-27) visit to the Milwaukee Bucks (40-32) on Friday (8 ET, League Pass). The Knicks have been treading water recently, going 5-5 in their last 10 games without Jalen Brunson, but they remain in sole possession of the No.

After 10 days on the West Coast, the Milwaukee Bucks return home to Fiserv Forum for a marquee matchup against the New York Knicks. This is the third time these two Eastern Conference foes will take each other on,

New York is fairly close to clinching the No. 3 in the East as well, as they are 2.5 games up on the Indiana Pacers and own the tiebreaker. If the season ended today, they would be facing the No. 6 seed Milwaukee Bucks in the first round.

The Knicks are officially in the postseason — and will avoid the play-in tournament. New York has clinched no worse than a sixth-place finish in the Eastern Conference thanks to the Heat’s 122-112 win over the Hawks on Thursday night.

James Harden had 29 points, six rebounds and six assists, Kawhi Leonard scored 27 points and the Los Angeles Clippers prevented the New York Knicks from clinching a playoff berth with a 126-113 victory.