The Knicks have been a surprising team so far this season, they ended 12th in the eastern conference last season, so I guess the only way is up. However, no one thought they would be a playoff contender with this quick of a turnaround. With the addition of Head Coach Thibodeau and acquiring and reuniting veteran point guard Derrick Rose with his head coach to pair with the rookie players Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley along with veteran power forward Julius Randle, this team is turning heads for the right reasons. They have pieced together a talented squad with a solid leader. Hopefully, this spells a better long term future for the team.
The Wizards, on the other hand, are turning heads for the wrong reasons. From the “Free Bradley Beal” movement to young center Rui Hachimura not living up to expectations and the fact that the Wizards are 4-3 without Russell Westbrook and 2-13 with Russell Westbrook. Bradley Beal is having the best scoring season so far in the NBA, averaging just over 33 points a game, that is three whole points in front of Steph Curry.
New York Knicks betting preview: Defense wins games
One of the main, key reasons the Knicks are winning consistently this season is because they are the number one defensive team in the NBA. Thanks to Center Mitchell Robinson, who is in the Defensive Player of the year consideration, who is averaging 8 points and rebounds with 2 blocks and 1 steal per game.
The Knicks are number one in points allowed, only giving up 104 points per game this season while riding a defensive rating of 106, which means per every 100 possessions against the Knicks, they only give up 106 points. They are also number 1 in opponent field goal percentage, field goals allowed, and three-point percentage. The Knicks are also 11-13 against the spread, so they’re a middle of the pack team to bet on.
Washington Wizards betting preview: #FreeBradleyBeal
The Wizards had extremely high expectations for this season with the acquisition of superstar point guard, former MVP Russell Westbrook. Unfortunately, it has not gone their way at all as they battle the Pistons and Timberwolves for the worst record in the NBA.
The only good thing for the Wizards so far this season is that All-star shooting guard Bradley Beal has publicly stated that he does not want to be traded from Washington and wants to build a winner there on his own. However, that is not necessarily helping them win games this season as they are still an underwhelming, 5-17 against the spread. On the other hand, they are surprisingly one of the best teams in the NBA, hitting overs with a record of 15-7 this season.
New York vs. Washington odds and lines:
Draftkings has the odds opened as the Knicks favored by 3 with the over/under placed at 218.5.
Free pick of the night:
The free pick of the night is Knicks moneyline set at -147 and the over or 218.5.
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