Today's afternoon tilt between the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns is a solid matchup that will be a good litmus test for both teams. Julius Randle, who orchestrated a key player-only dinner before this productive road trip, has been fantastic and will look to put New York on his back again.
Phoenix, without Chris Paul, is leaning on Devin Booker more than ever to maintain the ship. This afternoon won't be an easy game for the team, who face an N.Y. squad that has taken two out of the first three games on this challenging road trip.
Find out the best options with our free NBA betting picks and predictions for the Knicks vs. Suns on Sunday, November 20.
Knicks vs Suns best odds
Knicks vs Suns picks and predictions
The Knicks have been a little unpredictable this season, with players like RJ Barrett being amongst the most volatile players in the entire league. Even Jalen Brunson, who is as consistent as they come, has had a few too many non-impact games. Julius Randle is the closest thing to a safe bet for them on a nightly basis.
The 27-year-old forward is having an impressive stretch during this western conference road trip, in which he's averaging 23 points per game on 48% shooting. That figures to stay consistent in today's game against the Phoenix Suns.
Randle, who sometimes gets a little too reliant on his 3-point jump shot (only shooting 33% from behind the arc) will likely take a different approach in this one. The Suns starting forwards of Mikal Bridges and Torrey Craig will have a hard time banging with Randle for four quarters, as he's physically much bigger than either of the aforementioned players.
Randle is shooting over five percentile points better than last season, primarily due to having a reliable point guard in Brunson to help set up the offense and make things easier.
Phoenix is coming off a thriller against the Jazz, where it allowed a stretch power forward in Lauri Markkanen to beat it with his 38-point performance. Randle isn't the most reliable from the perimeter, but he does possess a threat to score multiple ways. Phoenix will have its hands full this afternoon.
My best bet: Julius Randle Over 20.5 points (-122)
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Knicks vs Suns spread analysis
The Knicks' season looked like it was on the brink of destruction just a week ago. This early season road trip would deliver a bit of reality that New York is closer to drafting Victor Wembanyama rather than being in a position to make the playoffs. That still may be the case, but an 82-game season is long, and the Knicks are playing respectable ball now.
On the season, they have a 7-8-1 against the spread record, compared to the Suns' 9-6 mark. This game will be about two teams that do different things well. Phoenix scores the ball at an efficient clip (47.5%), whereas New York does not (44.8%). While that may imply the Suns should handle business, the Knicks will likely crush the boards and impose their size.
New York is among the best rebounding teams in the NBA, grabbing five more per game than Phoenix. The Knicks are among the best units in the NBA in second-chance points, scoring 16.2 per game. The Suns scoring nearly two points less in that department means they will have to keep the Knicks off the glass to win this one convincingly. I'm not sold they will.
Knicks vs Suns Over/Under analysis
In the aftermath of the Knicks allowing three Warriors players to score over 20 points, the Over is rather intriguing. Phoenix enters this game with a 7-8 O/U record and has hit the Over in their last three games. Booker has set the scoreboard ablaze, averaging 33.6 points in the previous three contests, including a magnificent 49-point performance on Friday.
While Cam Reddish has added some necessary defensive prowess to the Knicks' backcourt, players like Booker are nearly impossible to contain. Even at 8-8 O/U, New York will have to try its best to match fire with fire.
Jalen Brunson, who didn't perform up to par against the Warriors, will likely have an excellent bounce-back game. The 26-year-old has been a consistent scorer this season and will probably bounce back from his dud in Golden State. Brunson is currently averaging the second most points per game on the Knicks, and he's doing it at an efficient clip. Today could quickly turn into a high-scoring outing.
Knicks vs Suns betting trend to know
The Over is 4-0 in Suns last four when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Suns.
Knicks vs Suns game info
| Location: | Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ |
| Date: | Sunday, November 20, 2022 |
| Tip-off: | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | MSG, Bally Sports Phoenix |
