New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets: Predictions, Starting Lineups (12/20/23)
The New York Knicks (15-11) face the Brooklyn Nets (13-13) this Wednesday (12/20/23). Get Knicks vs. Nets moneyline and spread odds, as well as predictions, starting lineups, injuries, and key matchups below.
New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets Prediction
The Nets are surrendering the third most midrange field goal attempts and second most above the break three-point attempts. Opponents are seeing clean looks from here too, as Brooklyn ranks 27th defending both the midrange and off-the-dribble threes based on opponent shot quality, or degree of difficulty (via ShotQuality).
These areas form 55 percent of Brunson’s field goal attempts, which doesn’t bode well for the Nets. Brunson is averaging nearly 27 points on excellent 49/43/77 shooting splits over his past ten games. He notched 40 and 39 points in his past two matchups versus Brooklyn, and he’s set to once again dominate a Nets defense that is giving up the 7th most points per game to point guards. Spencer Dinwiddie and Cam Thomas stand no chance against Brunson.
Opponents also average the 5th most open plus wide open three-point attempts per 100 possessions against Brooklyn. The Knicks rank 12th in three-point attempt rate and 6th in three-point percentage, so they possess the players to exploit this fatal flaw. Jalen Brunson, Immanuel Quickley, Donte DiVincenzo, and Quentin Grimes especially can burn them.
Finally, the Nets are dead last in opponent turnover percentage, so New York shouldn’t lose possessions through forced mistakes. More possessions equals more points, so this area is crucial for the over.
The Knicks have cleared 117 points in 7 of their past 9 games, and they are in position to exploit Brooklyn’s defense flaws.
New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets Prediction: Knicks Over 116.5 Points
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New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets Best Odds
The Knicks are slight 1.5 point favorites, so the books are expecting a close contest. Brooklyn must win this game about 50 percent of the time for their +100 moneyline to hold a positive expected value.
New York Knicks Starting Lineup
PG: Jalen Brunson
SG: Donte DiVincenzo
SF: RJ Barrett
PF: Julius Randle
C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Brooklyn Nets Starting Lineup
PG: Spencer Dinwiddie
SG: Cam Thomas
SF: Mikal Bridges
PF: Cam Johnson
C: Nic Claxton
New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets Injuries
Mitchell Robinson and Jericho Sims are both out, so Isaiah Hartenstein will get the starting nod for New York. Brooklyn will be without Ben Simmons, Lonnie Walker IV, and Dennis Smith Jr.
New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets Key Matchups
RJ Barrett Efficiency
Barrett averaged 20.5 points on elite 45/46/84 shooting splits across his first ten games of the season. However, that has plummeted to 17.1 points on abysmal 39/22/86 splits over his past 11 games. He’s a shaky shooter that can be red-hot one night and ice-cold the next, so it’s not too surprising.
He will certainly get his chances against Brooklyn’s porous three-point defense. It’s especially true with Brunson and Randle commanding the vast majority of defensive attention. If Barrett has a good night, then the Knicks are in an excellent position to score 117 points. Otherwise, it may be a mighty close call.
