New York Knicks vs Denver Nuggets: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (11/16/22)

As one of the more trendy NBA Championship picks entering the season, the Nuggets are currently a half game back from the number one Trail Blazers in the Western Conference. Yes, you read that right. They will try to take a lead without Jokic as they battle the middling Knicks this Wednesday night.

New York Knicks Vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Odds

The Knicks opened as a massive +9.5 under dog before quickly seeing that number shoot down to the current spread of +3.5 after the news of Jokic sitting out due to covid protocols. Bubbling sensation Bones Hyland also remains doubtful after sitting out with covid protocols as well from earlier this week.

As for the total, steam has sent the number crashing from 233 to the current total of 226.5 as questions surround the Nuggets offense as they will be missing the reigning MVP’s court stretching prowess.

New York Knicks Vs. Denver Nuggets Prediction

The Pick: Knicks ML

We are going to see just how much of an impact Jokic has on the game as the Knicks should be fully capable of taking advantage of his absence. The Nuggets are as thin as it gets for big bodies on the floor as they are now starting DeAndre Jordan while Aaron Gordan remains questionable with covid like symptoms.

This doesn’t bode well for the Nuggets as Jordan has yet to play a complete game while the Knicks will send a platoon of big bodies at him. New York should have total control of the boards as they are third in the league in rebounds per game and offensive rebounds per game. Should they capitalize on the size mismatch, New York will have plenty of second chance points that may be too much for Denver to overcome.

Speaking of offense, the Achilles heel for the Knicks offense has been their lack of three point shooting. While attempting them at an above average rate, the shots have not fallen for them as they are near dead last in three point percentage. Not a good recipe for success. They should find more quality looks this time around should they try to punish Denver down low, sucking in help defense from the outside to kick out for a more open look.

Betting Trends

  • Knicks are 4-3 ATS on the road in 2022-23
  • Nuggets are 4-0 SU at home in 2022-23
  • Nuggets are 8-3 SU as a favorite in 2022-23

Key Matchups

Will the Nuggets be able to contain the Knicks big men? How will New York limit the Nuggets three point shooting?

Julius Randle vs Nuggets size mismatch

I am expecting a big game out of Randle who has been severely disappointing after a breakout season two years ago that sent the Knicks fan base into a frenzy. They went all in on the big man, surrounding him with weapons but it has yet to pay off at a consistent rate.

He now gets a prime opportunity to make his mark as his versatility will be too much for the much smaller Nuggets this time around. Especially if Gordon remains out and Jordan has to put his size up against Hartenstein. 

Nuggets hot shooting vs Knicks perimeter defense

One of the key contributing factors to the Nuggets success this season has been behind the scorching hot shooting from deep. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Michael Porter Jr have been sensational, both shooting above 48% and top-10 in the league.

It will be interesting to see what the quality of looks will be this time around without Jokic, a unicorn of a big man who is already considered the best passing center of all time. Open looks from deep should still be there for the Nuggets as the Knicks allow three point attempts at the third highest rate in the league.

Verdict

Take the Knicks on the moneyline for small as they should capitalize on the size mismatch and abuse second chance points to keep up with the Nuggets three point shooting.

New York Knicks Starting Lineup

PG: Jalen Brunson

SG: RJ Barrett

SF: Cam Reddish

PF: Julius Randle

C: Isaiah Hartenstein

Home Team Starting Lineups

PG: Jamal Murray

SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

SF: Michael Porter

PF: Aaron Gordon

C: DeAndre Jordan

Key Injuries

New York Knick Injuries: N/A

Denver Nuggets Injuries: Bones Hyland (D), Aaron Gordon (Q), Nikola Jokic (O), Ish Smith (D)

Post
Kody is a sports betting writer here at Lineups. He specializes in college sports as well as the NFL and NBA. He won’t quit believing in the Lions Super Bowl chances even when they are eliminated.

Hot NBA Stories