The Knicks enter tonight's game looking for a win after losing to the Philadelphia 76ers last night. That game showcased the difference between star-level players like Julius Randle and superstars like Joel Embiid.
Luckily for New York, Utah is void of a superstar as well, but they do have an All-Star in Lauri Markkanen, who will stretch the floor and put pressure on Randle and the defense. Both teams need a game like tonight to improve their seeding in their respective conferences.
Find out your best options with our free NBA betting picks and predictions for the Jazz vs. Knicks on Saturday, February 11.
Jazz vs Knicks best odds
Jazz vs Knicks picks and predictions
I can't remember the last non-superstar off-season signing that's carried as much impact as Jalen Brunson signing to the New York Knicks. Many knew he would be an upgrade over the long list of point guards who simply weren't good. But for the Knicks to get THIS Brunson? Man, that has changed so much of New York's fortunes this season.
Brunson has been one of the most formidable point guards in the NBA this season. His scoring ability cannot be ignored, as he's averaging 23.3 points per game. Since the turn of the new year, Brunson has totaled the third-most points in the entire NBA.
Tonight, Brunson gets a Utah Jazz team that he has had success against in recent years. This season, he scored 25 points on 50 percent shooting in a November game between the two teams. Utah has gone through a complete rebuild, but in the playoffs, last season, even with Rudy Gobert protecting the paint, Brunson averaged 27.8 points in six games.
Utah has been a surprise this season. After dealing away Donovan Mitchell and Gobert, they weren't expected to be much of anything this year, and yet, they are currently 28–29. Where they have found trouble is slowing down opposing point guards. The Jazz surrender 26.6 points per game to opposing teams' point guards, which ranks third-worst in the NBA.
Just look at the matchup between these two teams in November: Brunson scored 25 points, and he did most of his damage in the painted area, showing no fear of Lauri Markkanen and Kelly Olynyk. Tonight figures to be much of the same for the Knicks. Brunson is coming off a 30-point game last night against the Philadelphia 76ers. He scored 20 points in the first quarter. I think he keeps a hot hand tonight.
My best bet: Jalen Brunson Over 25.5 points (-120)
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Jazz vs Knicks spread analysis
The Knicks enter tonight's game against the Jazz as a -5.5-point favorite. Despite the Knicks' performance last night, it's clear Vegas isn't too concerned about the Knicks' ability to play well on tired legs.
The Jazz and Knicks are similar teams in some ways. Neither team was expected to do much of anything this season, yet they've each got a player who made the All-Star team in Julius Randle and Markkanen. Where Utah will be in trouble tonight is its struggle to get stops. On the season, the Jazz rank 26th in defensive rating (117.2) and allow opponents to score the seventh most points per game against them (117.1). Utah's inability to effectively slow down the point guard will be a major problem tonight, as Brunson is a scoring guard who is consistently looking for scoring opportunities.
The matchup to watch tonight is between Randle and Markkanen. Will Randle limit Markkanen, who can get to his spots and score? He's averaging 24.7 points on 51.6 percent shooting. Randle's great scoring display this season has masked some of his defensive shortcomings. I expect him to get physical with Markkanen to get him into foul trouble.
The Knicks and Jazz are 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games. The Knicks should be able to take advantage of Utah's suspect defense and cover tonight.
Jazz vs Knicks Over/Under analysis
The Over/Under for tonight's game is a viable 229–230 across most sportsbooks. That's a line that makes sense considering the Jazz's lackluster defense and both teams' ability to score the ball.
There shouldn't be a shortage of points tonight, regardless of the Knicks and Jazz playing last night. Both Utah and New York rank in the Top 6 in offensive rating. The Jazz are fifth with a 117.6 rating, and the Knicks are sixth with a 117 mark. The Knicks are even at 4-4 O/U when playing on no rest. Utah is 7-5.
We should likely expect Josh Hart, the newly acquired shooting guard for New York, to suit up tonight. Hart is a player who can come in right away and make an impact with his rebounding and defense. Whereas RJ Barrett has been a liability on defense, Hart is a good defender who can slow down wings on the perimeter. Coach Tom Thibodeau likely won't play him too much tonight, as I'm sure he'll want him to get a few practices in before expanding his role.
I'm leaning Over tonight.
Jazz vs Knicks betting trend to know
Over is 4-0 in Jazz last 4 games playing on 0 days’ rest. Find more NBA betting trends for Jazz vs. Knicks.
Jazz vs Knicks game info
| Location: | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date: | Saturday, February 11, 2023 |
| Tip-off: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet RM, MSG |
