New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks spread, odds, picks and predictions
The New York Knicks (25-21, 4th in Atlantic) head south as they face off against the Atlanta Hawks (23-22, 2nd in Southeast) at State Farm Arena on Friday night.
After winning seven of eight games, New York has dropped back-to-back contests with their most recent loss being a 116-105 defeat at the hands of the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.
The Hawks up-and-down season continues as they're currently riding a season-high four-game winning streak.
Will the Knicks get back on track and stop their two game skid or can the Hawks make it five in a row? Here are my picks and predictions for this Eastern Conference showdown with odds powered by Tipico Sportsbook.
Spread: Knicks +3.5 (-112)
Despite their two game losing streak, New York is still 16-8 against the spread on the road this year and have covered in its prior four games away from Madison Square Garden. The Knicks are a whopping 17-4 ATS in their last 21 games on the road when facing an opponent that has a winning record at home and have covered in six straight after losing by double-digits the game before at MSG. New York is also a dominant 26-7 against the spread in its previous 33 road games and are 20-8-1 ATS in the last 29 meetings in Atlanta.
For the Hawks, they're only 10-25 against the spread in their past 35 games after they cover the game prior. Atlanta has failed to cover the spread in 12 of its last 16 games following a straight up victory.
While these two teams have had completely opposite outcomes the past week, I'm betting on the Knicks to cover this small spread here as this should be a close game.
Over/Under: Under 229.5 points (-112)
For the total, the trends for each team can go in either direction. New York has gone over in eight of its past 11 after a game it doesn't cover prior and in five of the previous seven following a game it loses. However, the Knicks are 4-0 to the under in their last four versus an opponent that sports a winning record and in six straight after losing by at least 10 points at home.
The Hawks have gone over the projected total in seven of their prior eight games following a game they cover the spread and are 7-2 to the over in their previous nine games on Fridays. Although, Atlanta is 7-3 to the under when facing an opponent with a winning percentage of .600 or higher in its last 10 home games and in five of its last six games at home have gone under when playing a team with a winning record on the road.
This could really go either way as the total currently sits in the middle of the pack of tonight's slate but I'm leaning towards this one just barely going under as fewer than 230 points will be scored.
Moneyline: Knicks (+130)
Heading into this matchup, these teams sit right next to one another in the standings. With Hawks' star point guard Trae Young questionable with an ankle injury, I feel confident the Knicks can get back on track even if a hobbled Young does suit up.
If you're looking at a New York player prop to bet on tonight, my go-to one is Julius Randle over 13.5 rebounds at +100 on Tipico Sportsbook. With starting center Mitchell Robinson out until at least February with a fractured thumb, Randle has been dominating the boards as he's averaged 14.8 rebounds per game this month and has recorded at least 14 rebounds in six straight games and in seven of his last nine overall.
I'm betting on the Knicks here as they snap their losing streak in what should be an exciting, back-and-forth affair between two teams fighting for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
My Best Bets
Place a wager on the Knicks as a small underdog on the moneyline (+130), to cover the +3.5 spread (-112) and 229.5 total points scored at -112 on Tipico Sportsbook.
