Bucks vs. Knicks: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

Brandon Jennings and the surging Milwaukee Bucks are marching into Madison Square Garden tonight to face the New York Knicks.

With major playoff implications on the line, this should be a thrilling battle between two of the hottest teams in the East. The Knicks currently have the eighth and final playoff spot, but the Bucks are sitting just one-and-a-half games back. And judging by their recent success against New York, they've got a great chance to close the gap tonight. Milwaukee has won 12 of their last 14 against the Knicks, including victories in both meetings this season.

Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

When: 7:30 PM ET, March 26, 2012

Watch: MSG and FS Wisconsin have the coverage, or you can watch live streaming on-line via NBA League Pass

Listen: WTMJ 620 AM—Milwaukee, ESPN 1050 AM—New York

Betting Line: The Knicks are 5.5-point favorites, according to SBGGlobal.com

Key Injuries (via CBSSports)

Knicks

Amar'e Stoudemire (back), questionable

Jeremy Lin (knee), questionable

Milwaukee

No significant injuries

What They're Saying

Peter Botte of the New York Daily News wrote that Tyson Chandler busted out his championship ring on Saturday to help motive his teammates:

"

With those goals in mind, Chandler also brought the championship ring he won last year with Dallas to show his teammates Saturday night, at the suggestion of manager of player security Max (Big Max) Cayard.

“Tyson talks a lot about sacrifice, defense and just putting everything aside in terms of individual stuff, whether it’s off the court, on the court, egos, roles, whatever,” said Lin, who had seven turnovers and just three assists against the Pistons. “He just talks about how we all have to buy in and only care about the team and the team only.”

"

Lori Nickel of the Journal Sentinel notes that while the Bucks have had recent success against New York, this is a different Knicks team:

"

Milwaukee (22-26) beat New York (24-25) twice this season, but this is a regrouping Knicks team that is 6-1 under new coach Mike Woodson. The Knicks and former coach Mike D'Antoni parted ways shortly after they lost six straight games, a streak that included a loss to Milwaukee a few weeks ago.

"They are playing better, playing with a lot of urgency," said Bucks guard Brandon Jennings. "But so are we.

"

New York Player to Watch: Carmelo Anthony

With Lin and Stoudemire ailing, 'Melo needs to have on of his best games of the season tonight.

His scoring has dropped off since Mike Woodson took over, and he's failed to reach 20 points in the last seven games. Oddly enough, the Knicks are 6-1 during that stretch.

However, a low-scoring output from Anthony won't get the job done tonight. He needs to be aggressive in attacking the rim and get himself to the free-throw line.

If he can get 25-28 points on around 50 percent shooting, the Knicks will have a great shot at padding their lead in the playoff race.

Milwaukee Player to Watch: Brandon Jennings

Brandon Jennings loves playing against the Knicks, and in Madison Square Garden specifically.

The Bucks have won eight of their last nine against New York since they drafted Jennings in 2009. As you may recall, the Knicks passed on him on Draft Day, opting instead to go with big man Jordan Hill. How'd that work out, Knicks fans?

Since then, Jennings has absolutely shredded New York. He's averaging 36.5 points per game in his last two trips to MSG, and his career scoring average (22.2) at the Garden is his highest in any arena where he's played at least three games.

Key Matchup: Brandon Jennings vs. Jeremy Lin

This individual matchup will likely decide the outcome of the game.

Lin, who hurt his knee against the Pistons on Saturday, doesn't have to outplay his explosive counterpart, but he has to at least hold him in check.

The Knicks can afford an 18- or 20-point night from Jennings. But a 30-point outing? Not so much.

Prediction: Milwaukee 103, New York 97

Since New York is battling some nagging injuries, I'm riding the Bucks here.

Jennings and the newly-acquired Monta Ellis have had some trouble meshing, but I think this is the game where they figure it out. Jennings loves the bright lights of MSG, and Ellis dropped 22 points and eight assists in his only game against New York this season.

Look for them to abuse the Knicks' guards off the dribble and lead their team one step closer to a playoff berth.