Knicks vs. Nets Picks, Predictions: Back New York Against Cross-Town Rivals
The New York Knicks are finally feeling good about their basketball, while the Brooklyn Nets found their new head coach. Is this one straightforward? Find out with our Knicks-Nets picks.
The Knicks and Nets have both won two of their last three games, but they’re each feeling differently about their play.
New York was able to take out the Philadelphia 76ers (albeit without Joel Embiid) and Minnesota Timberwolves in recent games. Meanwhile, the Nets beat up on the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets.
Here are my NBA picks and predictions for Wednesday's game between the Knicks and Nets (odds via DraftKings Sportsbook and PointsBet; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).
Knicks vs. Nets Game Info
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Knicks vs. Nets Odds
Knicks vs. Nets Odds Analysis
The Knicks opened up as 2.5-point underdogs and that line now rests at 3.5. Despite this, DraftKings is reporting 70% of the spread handle has come in on New York while just 53% of the tickets are on the Knicks.
As is the case with totals in the NBA, this one has moved. Initially offered at 223.5, it’s now down to 220.5 across the board, though once again there is more money than tickets on the Over.
Knicks vs. Nets Picks
- Spread: Knicks +3.5 (-107 via PointsBet)
- Over/Under: Over 220.5 (-107 via PointsBet)
- Prop bet: Julius Randle Under 3.5 assists (-120 via DraftKings)
Knicks vs. Nets ATS Pick
Knicks +3.5 (-107) ★★★★★
The Knicks haven’t been an amazing team this season, ranking around the middle of the NBA in defensive and offensive efficiency.
However, New York has been a strong rebounding team. It ranks in a tie for 10th, and it's also defended well down low, allowing just 56.2% of defended shots inside 10 feet to fall, which is just outside of the top 10.
Brooklyn is converting at 64.7% clip inside of 10 feet, which is one of the best marks in basketball. The Knicks are also second-best at defending the 3-point shot, and that’s an area the Nets have gotten contributions from of late.
Something to note, though, is that the Nets are around four points per 100 possessions better on defense with Kyrie Irving on the court. Brooklyn will be without Irving in this one (and for the foreseeable future).
The Knicks are going to be without Mitchell Robinson. That's actually a huge bonus because Isaiah Hartenstein – who will start in his place – is the team’s leader in net rating. On the floor, he moves the needle by more than 10 points per 100 possessions.
Knicks vs. Nets O/U Pick
Over 220.5 (-107) ★★★★
The Nets are clearly worse on defense without Irving and the Knicks are a dream offensively with Hartenstein starting. New York also has the best second-quarter offense in basketball and its second unit, led by Immanuel Quickley and the surprising Cam Reddish, has done so much damage.
The Knicks are also playing with a pace rating over 100 after ranking second-lowest in pace a year ago. Part of that is due to the addition of Hartenstein, and part of it is due to Quickley pushing the tempo to a 102.36 pace rating.
Knicks games have hit the Under just four times in 10, which negates the Nets’ run of five straight Unders. I think the Knicks bring the pace up to an attainable rate for the Nets to help us get home.
Knicks vs. Nets Prop Pick
Randle Under 3.5 assists (-120) ★★★★
Julius Randle has gone Under this number in three of his last four games and has gone Over it in just four of his 10 contests overall. It’s not a coincidence that the insertion of Hartenstein has led to fewer assists, considering his excellence in passing the ball has caused the offense to run through him more than it does Randle in the post.
Brooklyn’s been surprisingly great at defending the paint, and I think that will ultimately influence Randle to space the floor a bit more and also stop him from finding players off the cut for assists. Without Irving, this should be a guard-dominated attack for the Knicks.
Where to Bet on Knicks-Nets Picks
Knicks-Nets picks made 11/09/2022 at 1:19 p.m. ET.
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