Knicks vs Nuggets Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Jokic Leads Offensive Charge for Denver

The reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets look like they're ramping up for another deep playoff run. 

The Nuggets enter tonight’s matchup with the New York Knicks having won 12 of their last 14 games while Nikola Jokic leads the NBA MVP odds.

Denver is playing so well it's nearly a double-digit favorite according to NBA odds against a solid Knicks team. However, while New York’s play lately hasn’t too shabby either, injuries could really hold it back.

I break down this matchup and bring you the best bet, plus a same-game parlay in my free NBA picks for the Knicks vs. Nuggets on March 21.

Knicks vs Nuggets odds

Knicks vs Nuggets predictions

It looked like the New York Knicks had a bit of a defensive resurgence. They had won four games in a row straight up and limited opponents to 93 points or fewer in five consecutive games, part of which coincided with the return of defensive stalwart O.G. Anunoby.

Unfortunately, Anunoby’s surgically repaired elbow has flared up and forced him out of the last game against Golden State and at least a few more going forward. The Knicks ranked 15th in defensive rating during an 18-game stretch sans O.G. and struggled defending the perimeter during that period — ranking 28th in opponent 3-point shooting percentage.

You saw the effect of Anunoby’s absence in Monday’s game against the Warriors. While New York got the win, Golden State put up 112 points on 48% shooting from the floor, including 39% from deep.

The Knicks now have to try to stop Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets look like they're getting ready to defend their title, winning 12 of their last 14 games and ranking second in the NBA in net rating during that span. Denver also ranks third in offensive rating and effective field goal percentage over that span.

Jokic is obviously the catalyst for this. The Joker is having another fantastic season averaging 26 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game this season and is the -300 favorite to win his third NBA MVP Award.

But what makes Denver really dangerous is Jokic is surrounded by one of the best starting lineups in the NBA, which includes Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.

Additionally, while the Nuggets don’t shoot a ton of threes, they aren’t missing much lately either — ranking seventh in 3-point shooting percentage over this current 14-game hot streak.

Denver's team total is sitting at a modest 108.5 and I think sportsbooks are setting this number with the idea the Knicks' defense doesn’t take a big step back without Anunoby. That’s obviously not the case.

New York has allowed opponents to go Over this number in 11 of their last 16 games without Anunoby and most of those teams don’t have the offense of the Nuggets.

My best bet: Nuggets team total Over 108.5 (-115 at FanDuel)

Knicks vs Nuggets same-game parlay

Nuggets team total Over 108.5

Reggie Jackson Over 5.5 points

Donte DiVincenzo

+500 at bet365

The injuries the Knicks are dealing not only hurts their defensive prowess, but also their depth. That has me looking at Reggie Jackson’s points total.

The Nuggets backup point guard is averaging 9.9 points per game this season but has a nice low points total of 5.5. He’s gone Over that number in five of his last six games and should get some good minutes against a depleted Knicks bench.

If the Knicks want to keep this game close they’ll need excellent ball movement. Donte DiVincenzo has an assists total of 2.5. He averages 2.6 points per game this season but has gone Over this number in six of his last eight games.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Knicks vs Nuggets spread and Over/Under analysis

The Nuggets opened this NBA matchup as 9.5-point home favorites and that’s where the line remains as of Thursday afternoon.

As noted, Denver's on a roll, and I would lean toward it on the spread here for a lot of the same reasons as I like the Over on the team total. The Nuggets are also an underrated defensive team, ranking 10th in D-rating and fourth in opponent effective field goal percentage.

The Knicks defense clearly takes a step back without Anunoby but their offense has been a little stagnant as well. They're currently asking Jalen Brunson do to much and teams are able to key on him. As a result, they're dead last in scoring over the last 10 games, putting up just 99.7 per contest.

When it comes to the total that hit the board at a very low 209 and has been bet down to 208. Obviously, I like the Nuggets to eclipse their team total in this one, but I’m not sure that will be enough to send the game Over the full-game total considering how the Knicks are playing on offense recently.

On top of that, these are two of the best Under teams in the NBA. New York is 25-43 O/U while Denver is 26-42-1 O/U. 

Knicks vs Nuggets betting trend to know

The Knicks have hit the team total Under in 25 of their last 33 games for +15.90 units and a 43% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Nuggets.

Knicks vs Nuggets game info

Knicks vs Nuggets latest injuries

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