Portland Trail Blazers vs. New York Knicks: Predictions, Starting Lineups (1/9/24)
The Portland Trail Blazers (10-25) encounter the surging New York Knicks (21-15) this Tuesday (1/9/24). Get Blazers vs. Knicks moneyline and spread odds, as well as predictions, starting lineups, injuries, and key matchups below.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. New York Knicks Prediction
Since the OG Anunoby trade, the Knicks are undefeated and have outscored opponents by 17.7 points per 100 possessions. Two of the four wins came against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers, who own a combined 48-22 record.
Portland’s center rotation is in shambles at the moment with Deandre Ayton, Robert Williams III, and Moses Brown all out. Duop Reath has been an impactful replacement (especially from a shooting perspective), but his rebounding needs work. That’s concerning against a physical Knicks frontcourt that crashes the glass hard. The Blazers do not have a reliable backup either, so Reath’s massive workload will test his endurance, thus potentially diminishing his rebounding and hustle late in the game.
Jalen Brunson likely feasts on Portland’s exploitable point-of-attack defense here. Look for the Knicks to drag Anfernee Simons into endless pick-and-rolls throughout the game. Brunson also possesses more room to work with than ever because of Anunoby’s spacing.
Defensively, Isaiah Hartenstein quietly ranks seventh across the NBA in rim points saved per 75 possessions (via Basketball Index). He has the chops to cover Reath’s roll while deterring cutters. New York can also assign Anunoby and Grimes to mark the hot hand, whether that’s Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, or Malcolm Brogdon.
Overall, this new-look Knicks squad is rolling, and they face an injured, tanking Blazers team. The best bet is backing New York to be winning the game at the end of every quarter (this does not mean they have to individually win every quarter).
Portland Trail Blazers vs. New York Knicks Prediction: Knicks Winning At End Of Every Quarter (-132 FD)
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Portland Trail Blazers vs. New York Knicks Best Odds
The Knicks are massive 12 point favorites in this matchup, which is logical given the talent disparity. New York owns a profitable 8-5-1 record against the spread at home, while Portland is 10-9 against the spread on the road.
For their +525 moneyline to be profitable in the long run, the Blazers need to win here about 16 percent of the time.
Portland Trail Blazers Starting Lineup
PG: Scoot Henderson
SG: Anfernee Simons
SF: Toumani Camara
PF: Jerami Grant
C: Duop Reath
New York Knicks Starting Lineup
PG: Jalen Brunson
SG: Donte DiVincenzo
SF: OG Anunoby
PF: Julius Randle
C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Portland Trail Blazers vs. New York Knicks Injuries
Centers Deandre Ayton, Robert Williams III, and Moses Brown are all out for the Blazers, while Matisse Thybulle and Jabari Walker hold questionable tags. On the other side, Mitchell Robinson remains sidelined with a season-ending injury.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. New York Knicks Key Matchups
Blazers 3PT Shooting
Portland’s best offensive punch is by far their three-point shooting. Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, and Malcolm Brogdon combine to shoot a 40.2 3PT% on 20 attempts per game. Reath (37.2 3PT%) also boasts stretch five skills, while Sharpe has the potential to sink four threes on any given night. For Portland to at least cover the spread, they must turn in a big night from deep. It will be an uphill battle, as New York’s three-point defense has been exceptional post Anunoby trade.
Jerami Grant’s Two-Way Play
Grant averages 21.8 points on an average 58.4 true shooting percentage. As Portland’s second leading scorer and a capable self-creator, his offensive responsibilities will be huge here against New York’s pesky defense. Meanwhile, he will be guarding Julius Randle (24.3 PPG) – the Knicks’ second leading scorer. If Grant performs well on both sides of the ball, then the Blazers could avoid the expected early round knockout.
