Golden State Warriors vs New York Knicks: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (12/20/22)

Are the New York Knicks back? After an electric playoff performance years ago, the Knicks have steadily regressed while maintaining their core. They now are in the midst of a seven-game win streak and get a hobbled Warriors team who is missing Steph Curry. Can the New York Knicks continue their win streak? Or will the Curry-less Warriors play spoiler to the Knicks at Madison Square Garden?

Golden State Warriors vs New York Knicks Betting Odds

Oddsmakers are in favor of the Knicks to continue their win streak, opening them as a -6 favorite. Bettors are in disagreement, taking the Warriors down to as low as +4.5 in some shops. Even without Curry, the Warriors have maintained their offensive identity behind the steady play of Jordan Poole with his floor stretching abilities and can stretch out this Knicks defense.

As for the total, points are expected to come at a premium as oddsmakers opened the total at 224. Bettors are in agreement, taking the total down to as low as 222.5 with more money coming in to drive it lower. Without Curry, the Warriors offensive production slows down a bit while the Knicks are one of the worst perimeter shooting units in basketball.  

Golden State Warriors vs New York Knicks Prediction

The Pick: Warriors +5

With Jordan Poole proving to be a viable replacement in Curry’s absence while he rehabs from injury, I will back the Warriors on the spread as they have the offensive capability to keep scoring pace with the anemic Knicks offense. Even during their win streak, the Knicks success has been backed on their defensive play instead of their lackluster shooting in very low scoring affairs.

While at first I was in doubt on how the Warriors would tread water without Curry’s offensive abilities, their win on the road against Toronto’s defense was eye opening and gave me the trust I was looking for. Bursting for 126 points, they proved to still be able to facilitate and keep the high-powered offense humming. 

While that win was impressive, it’s hard to shake off the thought of their bench being one of the worst units in the league. The scoring production of Jordan Poole, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green is more important than ever as they will need to stretch out their minutes. If Donte DiVincenzo can find production as well then that is an added bonus in our favor.

While the Warriors have the scoring production to maintain pace, it will be up to their defense during this stretch of play that will steal them much needed wins. Lucky for them they are gifted the opportunity to sag off the perimeter as the Knicks are the worst perimeter shooting team in the league. This bodes well for their lack of rebounding and size as well, throwing every able body at the rim to limit the Knicks second chance opportunities.

Betting Trends

• Warriors are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 when the opposing team scores 100 points or more in their last outing
• Warriors are 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings in New York

Key Matchups

Are the Knicks capable of exploiting the size mismatch with no perimeter shooting?

Knicks down low scoring vs Warriors interior defense

The Knicks winning streak has been impressive for a team that was once again looking to be no better than average in the league. A team with fringe playoff hopes, now building a serious case for a potential run.

What they don’t have going in their favor is their lack of perimeter shooting. With their inability to stretch the defense, opposing units have been able to sag off and dare them to shoot low quality mid range looks over them.

The battle between Julius Randle and Kevon Looney will be the key metric to watch as the Knicks will look to attack the rim and get the Warriors big in foul trouble early. If the Warriors can protect him with Havoc in the paint, then they can turn their defense into efficient scoring offense.

Verdict

Back the Warriors at +4.5 or higher in what will be an intriguing contrast of styles in this matchup.

Golden State Warriors Starting Lineup

PG: Jordan Poole
SG: Klay Thompson
SF: Anthony Lamb
PF: Draymond Green
C: Kevon Looney

(Team Callout)

New York Knicks Starting Lineups

PG: Jalen Brunson
SG: Quentin Grimes
SF: RJ Barrett
PF: Julius Randle
C: Mitchell Robinson

(Team Callout)

Key Injuries

Golden State Warriors Injuries: Steph Curry (O), Klay Thompson (P), Jonathan Kuminga (P), Andrew Wiggins (O), Andre Iguodala (O)

New York Knicks Injuries: Obi Toppin (O)