Free NBA Picks New York Knicks: Season-Long Handicapping and Specialization 1/1/2024
You’ve found the right place for all your New York Knicks betting needs. This season, Doc’s Sports will be breaking down every regular season Knicks game and providing best bets along the way.
The Knicks are coming into tonight’s matchup on a 3-game skid, losing to the Thunder, Magic, and Pacers. Their defense has been the issue, as they’ve allowed an average of 129 points over that span as their best defender, Mitchell Robinson, continues to sit on the bench with a season ending ankle injury.
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However, the Knicks defense got a massive boost, after acquiring OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn from the Toronto Raptors, in exchange for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a second-round pick. Right off the bat, this trade makes the Knicks better. Anunoby is one of, if not the, best wing defender in the league and will be tasked with shutting down the oppositions best guard on a nightly basis. His length and footwork make him an extremely tough matchup to thwart, and head coach Tom Thibodeau will be licking his lips at the reality of a defender like Anunoby joining his team. While Achiuwa and Flynn are not capable of starting, they are still valuable role players that will help New York contend for an NBA championship. Achuiwa had a breakout 2021-22 campaign but has seen his production dip significantly since then. The 3 and D big man is still only 24 years old and has the potential to blossom into a quality NBA asset. Departing the Knicks is Barrett and Quickley, who will be missed. Barrett never managed to reach his potential in a Knicks uniform. And with Anunoby coming into the squad, a starting role had to be created. Barrett and Randle consistently got into each other's way and were one of the biggest issues with the mediocre Knicks offense. Randle and Barrett had respective +5.8 and +1.1 net rating when they were on the court alone. However, when they were together, it dipped to -1.7. The pair of high-volume shooters consistently clashed heads. And while I won’t go as far as saying the Knicks will be better without him, it was time to move on from the young Canadian. Quickley was one of the 6th man of the year frontrunners, as he consistently generated offense off the bench. His ability to lead the second unit and keep the Knicks competitive while the stars rested was second to none, and the electric point guard will be missed in New York.
Today, the Knicks (17-15) got to show off their flashy new toys with a visit from the Western Conference leaders, the Minnesota Timberwolves (24-7). Minnesota possesses by far the best defense in the league, which has allowed them to consistently string wins together. Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns do a fantastic job of clogging up the paint, and the perimeter defense from the energetic Anthony Edwards and veteran Mike Conley isn’t too far behind. The Timberwolves are heading to Madison Square Garden having won 4 of their last 5 games and have yet to drop back-to-back games all season. They have been the epitome of consistency, and the new look Knicks team will have their hands full in this New Year’s Day matinee.
Anunoby will get a chance to show off his defensive abilities, as Edwards is more than capable of putting on a show under the brightest lights. It’s been the Minnesota defense that has gotten them where they are this season, but they will absolutely need to improve their 17th ranked offense if they plan on challenging for an NBA title. The DPOY frontrunner Gobert doesn’t bring much offense to the table. However, when someone is this dominant defensively, they don’t have to.
In tonight’s matchup, the spread is set to a measly single point, and I have no choice but to side with the Timberwolves. The Knicks have lost 3 straight games, and their suspect defense will once again be their downfall. They’ve been able to outscore their defensive woes in recent weeks, but against the Timberwolves that will not be an option. Anunoby certainly makes this team better in the long run, but until he gets used to Thibodeau’s defensive scheme, he may be a minor liability while he’s getting his feet wet. On top of that, the Timberwolves are the best team in the league for a reason. The lack of a meaningful spread is extremely disrespectful to Minnesota, as they are fully deserving of being at least a couple point favorites. They’ve already taken down the Mavericks, Kings, and Warriors on the road this season, and a team like New York will not be the ones to slow them down. At (-1), take the Timberwolves for the first bet of the game.
For the second bet of the afternoon, we’ll be taking the Under. It’s a risky proposition to do so, as the Knicks defense has been in shambles in recent weeks, but they tend to match their opponent’s intensity on the defensive end, and there will be no lack of that from the Timberwolves. A total of 223 is quite low for a Knicks game, but in the matinee contest there may be a bit of a slow start, followed by intense defense throughout.
Finally, we’ll take Edwards Under 29.5 points. Anunoby will be eager to get off to a solid start in a Knicks uniform, and shutting down Minnesota's point guard is the best way to do so. He may be a step behind in the team defense. However, regardless of the uniform he’s wearing, Anunoby can shut people down 1 on 1. Edwards has a PPG of just 26.0 points this season, making this a very generous line that he has only surpassed in 5 of his last 13 games.
Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves (-1) 2 Units
Pick: Timberwolves vs Knicks Under 223 2 Units
Pick: Anthony Edwards Under 29.5 Points 3 Units
2023-24 Season record:
ML Record: 6-4
Spread Record: 8-9
Total Record: 3-5
Player Props Record: 9-17
Total: 26-36
Down 11.0 Units
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