Knicks vs. Nets prediction, spread and over/under for Monday game

The Brooklyn Nets (33-23, 3rd in Atlantic) play their first road game since Feb. 1 as they take on their crosstown rival New York Knicks (31-27, 4th in Atlantic) on Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Madison Square Garden.

This is the third game for the Nets since they traded away superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Brooklyn was able to keep it close but fell short in a 101-98 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.

The Knicks got back in the win column with a 126-120 victory over the Utah Jazz in their previous game.

Here are my picks and predictions for this Atlantic Division showdown with odds powered by Tipico Sportsbook.

Spread: Knicks -2.5 (-115)

The Knicks were a push in their last matchup as they won by exactly six points, which is how much they were favored against the Jazz.

They don't have great trends as of late but I believe they can cover this small spread against a Brooklyn team that's still working on its chemistry after overhauling its roster at the trade deadline.

Even though New York is 11-16-3 against the spread (ATS) at home this season, I'm laying the -2.5 with the Knicks here.

Over/Under: Under 220.5 (-110)

Despite being tied for the lowest total on the board Monday night, I'm on the under and here's why.

Both of these New York teams have been tremendous on the defensive side of the ball as they each rank inside the top-12 in opponents' points per game and field goal percentage.

The Knicks have also gone under this total in three of their last four wins, with the lone outlier being Saturday night against the Jazz.

With the under being 22-7 in the last 29 meetings at MSG, I'm betting we see fewer than 220 points scored.

Moneyline: Knicks (-145)

There's no denying Brooklyn has played admirably since the departure of Durant and Irving. I expect the Nets to keep it close, especially as five of the last six Knicks' victories have been decided by fewer than 10 points.

We should see a close, tight-knit game with the Knicks coming out on top as they gets their first victory over the Nets this season.

My Best Bets

Place a wager on the Knicks moneyline (-145), to cover the -2.5 spread (-115) and the under 220.5 total points scored at -110 on Tipico Sportsbook.