Brook Lopez has had a quiet start to the season after averaging 16 PPG last year. The big man has eclipsed this line in 3/4 games. He's facing a tough Knicks defense however they struggle against perimeter oriented bigs that are able to stretch the court. This number is way closer to Lopez's floor than his ceiling.

This is an intangibles play for the most part. Sure, the Knicks could cover or possibly win -- although they might be without RJ Barrett -- but the Bucks were just embarrassed Wednesday in Toronto, their second bad loss already. After the first, they trounced Miami. The Knicks have an Offensive Rating of just 103.8, which is 27th in the league. Hard to see them keeping up at all on that end. Just so we are clear: I don't think this In-Season Tournament will lead to a bunch more motivation for NBA guys. I don't think it makes a difference at all at least until the knockout rounds and then we'll see.