New York Knicks vs Washington Wizards: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (2/24/23)
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The New York Knicks visit the Washington Wizards to get the rest of the season started for each team. The Knicks are coming off a blowout win on the road against the Hawks, before the break, while the Wizards won a close game on the road against the Timberwolves. This should be an interesting matchup for the Eastern Conference standings. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks for this game!
New York Knicks vs. Washington Wizards Betting Odds
The Washington Wizards are 2-point home favorites against the New York Knicks and are at -130 on the money line. There’s no over/under listed just yet, but expect it to be high because of how good each team is on offense, but they’re better on defense. The Wizards being a favorite here only makes sense because their the home team, besides that, it makes more sense for the Knicks to be favored because they’re the better team. This spread could move a bit before tip-off too.
New York Knicks vs. Washington Wizards Prediction
The pick: New York Knicks +2
The New York Knicks are primed to make a bit of a run in the home stretch of the NBA season, especially with the Brooklyn Nets imploding just next door in New York.
Julius Randle has been a big key for the Knicks this year. He leads the team in scoring and rebounding too, and was an All-Star this year too. Jalen Brunson has been a huge pickup for the Knicks. He’s second in scoring and leads the Knicks in assists and steals per game for the season. RJ Barrett and Josh Hart will also provide a ton of help on the wing on both offense and defense too.
As a team, the Knicks excel more on defense than on offense. They’re top-10 in points allowed and third in rebounds per game at 47. This has proven itself with the Knicks having Tom Thibodeau as their head coach.
On the other side, the Wizards have been very inconsistent this year, and have dealt with injuries too. They also traded away one of their better players in Rui Hachimura to the Lakers.
Kristaps Porzingis has been great for the Wizards this year and leads the team in scoring right now, with Bradley Beal injured. He also leads the team in rebounds per game for the season too. Kyle Kuzma has been great this year too for the Wizards and has found new life in his role too. Monte Morris and Corey Kispert should also provide some help on the wing and in the back court with Bradley Beal being questionable.
As a team, the Wizards excel more on defense than on offense. They’re top-15 in points allowed, top-10 in rebounds per game, and they’re 4th in blocks per game for the season at 5.4. They’re also top-10 in field goal percentage on offense.
The Knicks are the more complete team and should beat the Wizards in this spot. The Wizards are the home team, but it won’t matter, especially with Bradley Beal questionable to play in the game.
Betting Trends
Knicks are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Wizards are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Key Matchups
Can Monte Morris matchup with Jalen Brunson? Can Isaiah Hartenstein matchup with Kristaps Porzingis?
Jalen Brunson vs. Monte Morris
Jalen Brunson has been great for the Knicks this year. He averages 24 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds per game for the season. He’ll be matched up against Monte Morris most of the game, who averages 10 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds per game for the season. This is a big matchup because of how good Jalen Brunson has been for the Knicks this year. This will be a huge matchup because both of these two players are the engines behind each team.
Kristaps Porzingis vs. Isaiah Hartenstein
Kristaps Porzingis has been great for the Wizards this year. He averages 23 points, 3 assists, and 9 rebounds per game for the season. He’ll be matched up against Isaiah Hartenstein because Mitchell Robinson is injured, and he averages 5 points, 1 assist, and 7 rebounds per game for the season. This is a big matchup because of how much Kristaps Porzingis will account for offense with the Wizards without Bradley Beal. The Knicks will have a bigger chance to win if Porzingis struggles.
New York Knicks Starting Lineup
PG: Jalen Brunson
SG: Quentin Grimes
SF: RJ Barrett
PF: Julius Randle
C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Washington Wizards Starting Lineups
PG: Monte Morris
SG: Corey Kispert
SF: Kyle Kuzma
PF: Kristaps Porzingis
C: Daniel Gafford
Key Injuries
New York Knicks Injuries: C Mitchell Robinson (Thumb) Q
Washington Wizards Injuries: SG Bradley Beal (Knee) Q
