Read a preview and watch a live stream of the Knicks vs the Bucks…
Where: O2 Arena, London.
When: Thursday January 15, 20:05 (UK time)
Watch live: Click here to watch on BT Sport online!
The NBA returns to London on Thursday night as the Milwaukee Bucks face the struggling New York Knicks at the O2 Arena.
Thursday’s game marks the fifth regular season visit from the NBA to the UK as the Bucks look to continue their progression under Coach Jason Kidd while the Knicks hope to snap a 15-game losing streak.
The Knicks have endured a torrid season so far as they remain rooted to the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 5-35 record, but they have been handed a boost in London as Carmelo Anthony is expected to return along with Amar’e Stoudemire.
New York have gone 0-10 without Anthony this season and he will undoubtedly make a big difference offensively, but whether or not the rest of the roster can step up and help out on both ends of the court remains to be seen.
Team president Phil Jackson has started the rebuilding process by sending JR Smith and Iman Shumpert to Cleveland while Samuel Dalembert was waived, and speculation suggests he isn’t yet done.
In contrast, Milwaukee are 20-19 for the season despite the loss of promising rookie Jabari Parker to injury last month, and Kidd has certainly built great team chemistry within a group of talented individuals.
Point guard Brandon Knight will look to run the team as he has done so well this season averaging 18.2 points and 5.1 assists per game, but the London crowd will undoubtedly enjoy seeing Giannis Antetekounmpo.
The ‘Greek Freak’ has made steady progress this season but he may well relish the opportunity to return to Europe and he can be a handful on both ends of the court.
Nevertheless, a healthy Knicks team will be a threat as London hopes for a decent show from these two franchises.
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