The Milwaukee Bucks are set to challenge the New York Knicks in the opening NBA Christmas Day matchup of the season.

This captivating Eastern Conference duel will be held at the Madison Square Garden in New York City, with ESPN bringing the action to viewers. The game is slated to tip off at 12:00 PM Eastern Time or 9:00 AM Pacific Time.

Dave Pasch will handle the play-by-play commentary, complemented by Hubie Brown as the color commentator, while Adraya Carter will be reporting from the sidelines.

Knicks vs. Bucks Christmas Day Game Odds, Spread, Betting Lines

Here's a summary of the betting odds for the upcoming NBA game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the New York Knicks, as presented by Sports Illustrated.

Moneyline:

Milwaukee: -152

New York: +120

Spread:

Milwaukee: -3.5 with odds at -110

New York: +3.5 with odds at -118

Total: 224.5

Based on the odds, the Milwaukee Bucks are favored with a -152 moneyline, suggesting they are the expected winners. Betting $152 on the Bucks would fetch a $100 profit should they win the game.

On the other hand, the New York Knicks, having a +120 moneyline, are the underdogs. A successful $100 wager on the Knicks would result in a $120 profit.

Regarding the spread, the Bucks have a 3.5-point advantage, while the Knicks are granted a 3.5-point cushion. To win a bet placed on the Bucks, they would need to win by more than 3.5 points.

Meanwhile, a bet on the Knicks would be successful if they either win the game or lose by fewer than 3.5 points.

The projected combined score for this matchup is set at 224.5 points. Bettors can choose to place their bets on whether the total score of both teams will exceed or stay below this set number.

Knicks vs. Bucks Christmas Day Game Preview

The Bucks have consistently been in the championship conversation in recent years, and they currently occupy the second seed in the Eastern Conference, riding a six-game winning streak. Their recent form is impressive, boasting an 8-2 record in their last ten outings en route to a 21-7 record.

Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to deliver performances reminiscent of an MVP caliber, showcasing his exceptional talent and impact on the court this season, as has become expected of him.

Meanwhile, the Knicks have performed decently this season, holding the fifth spot in the East with a 16-11 record. They are 4.5 games behind from the Bucks in the standings, but they are certainly not a pushover team.

They may be motivated to get a win on the holiday as the Bucks were the team to eliminate them in the first-ever In-Season Tournament.

Knicks vs. Bucks Christmas Day Game Pick

Bucks 124, Knicks 119

This game is expected to be an exciting matchup that will be decided by a few plays. The Knicks' electric crowd will feed energy to the team as the game goes on, but the Bucks' seasoned veterans with championship experience will seal the deal for the Eastern Conference contenders.