The New York Knicks (7-8) are in Oakland for a showdown with the Golden State Warriors (8-6). Tip-off is at 10:00 P.M. Eastern. The Warriors are 4.5-point favorites.
Golden State is playing the second game of a back-to-back. They beat the San Antonio Spurs 121-99 on Wednesday night. It was a dominating win, where four starters scored more than 15 points. Steph Curry scored a game-high 26 points, and rookie James Wiseman scored 20.
New York last played Monday afternoon and beat the Orlando Magic 91-84. RJ Barrett led the Knicks with 22 points, while Julius Randle was a machine in the paint, scoring 21 points and grabbing 17 rebounds.
Golden State Warriors Betting Preview
The Warriors have had a better season than most thought after the devastating injury to Klay Thompson. Andrew Wiggins has stepped up as a scorer, averaging 18 points per game. Wiggins leads all starters in field goal percentage (45.1%) and three-point percentage (40.0%).
While Wiggins is off to a great start, Curry is still the go-to scorer. The two-time MVP is tied with Portland’s Damian Lillard for third in the league in points per game (28.1). Only Curry’s former teammate Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant (31.3 ppg) and Washington’s Bradley Beal (34.9 ppg) are averaging higher.
The return of Draymond Green to the starting lineup has helped Golden State across the board. Green has taken the heat off of Curry, providing six or more assists in each of his last five games. He also allows head coach Steve Kerr to rotate through some of the younger players on the team, and he’s working with Wiseman on developing his game.
New York Knicks Betting Preview
The Knicks are the surprising team of the Eastern Conference so far, currently in eighth place. They’ve had some impressive wins against the Boston Celtics, Magic, and Atlanta Hawks so far this season and could be in the mix at the end of the season for a playoff spot.
Barrett’s points, rebounds, and assists have all gone up since his rookie campaign. Randle has also gone up in those categories while also averaging a double-double with 22 points and 11 boards.
Elfrid Payton has also improved his point total by three points per game and is now averaging 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists for the Knicks this season.
Much of that success can be attributed to new head coach Tom Thibodeau. The defensive specialist has the Knicks allowing a league-best 102.7 points per game.
The Pick Is In
The last time these two teams met was in 2019. New York won that tilt 124-122 in overtime after Golden State missed eight shots in the overtime session.
Barrett, Randle, and Elfrid Payton have all elevated their game this season, but they don’t have the star power to keep up with Golden State.
Take the Warriors to win and cover the (-4.5) spread.
Free Pick: Golden State Warriors (-4.5).
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