The Phoenix Suns have fallen on hard times, losing Kevin Durant at the conclusion of a six-game winning streak and watching Bradley Beal go down two games later. Now, this team has lost four games in a row and my Knicks vs. Suns predictions don't believe they get back in the win column tonight.
Join me as I break down my best NBA picks and Knicks vs Suns same-game parlay for Wednesday, November 20.
Knicks vs Suns prediction
My best bet
Knicks -4.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
As bad as the Phoenix Suns have been defensively this season, things have been incredibly painful on the other side of the ball since Beal was lost to injury four games ago. During that time without two of their three best players, Phoenix has had the fifth-worst offense in the NBA — and there’s little reason to believe it turns around on Wednesday.
The New York Knicks' greatest weakness has come at the rim, where Karl-Anthony Towns has struggled to deliver the same kind of defense as the departing Isaiah Hartenstein. Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa remain out, so it’s been all on the shoulders of Towns to turn things around — which is a very scary thought.
The thing is, the Suns continue to force the issue with their collection of guards and wings. According to Cleaning the Glass, they’ve taken the fifth-fewest shots at the rim in the four games without both Durant and Beal, which should continue rising up the ranks on the defensive side of the ball.
The Knicks have strung together two great showings on defense, and while they came against the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets, it’s fair to question whether or not this Suns offense as presently constructed is any better.
New York may be struggling with jump-shooters just as much as it does against opposing bigs, but it can take solace in the fact that it’s allowed the ninth-fewest shots in the mid-range thanks to some good contesting, which should take away the bread-and-butter of the Suns.
The Suns are also shooting a dreadful 32.4% from 3 in the last four games, so it’s anything but a guarantee that they’ll be able to exploit the Knicks from the arc like many have done at times this season.
With all of that said, the Knicks have the third-best offense in the NBA, and while the Suns have had plenty of issues on the defensive end without their two stars they were firmly below average even prior to the losses. I don’t see Phoenix keeping pace with New York nearly enough to make this one close.
Knicks vs Suns same-game parlay
Knicks -4.5
Mikal Bridges Over 15.5 points
Tyus Jones 2+ threes
While I did harp on the Knicks’ struggles inside, there should be an opportunity to exploit their perimeter defense given they’ve given up the second-most looks from 3 in the league according to Cleaning the Glass and sit just 24th in defending the shot.
Now, I’d love to bet on Devin Booker to hit a few here given the Suns have nobody else to turn to on offense, but his play has been questionable of late. Not only is he struggling to shoot the ball, but he’s also had far too many recent games where he’s been very passive and has looked to set up his teammates.
It would seem Tyus Jones is our man here, considering he’s now launched eight or more times from deep in three of the four games since Beal went down. He’s cashed in twice in all three of those games and is coming off a season-high 11 attempts from outside against the Orlando Magic.
Then, I’m a big fan of the Mikal Bridges revenge spot against his former team. He snapped a run of three straight 20-point games last time out against the Brooklyn Nets but should be in a dream spot here against a Suns team that’s given up mid-range shots at one of the highest clips in the league, allowing them to fall at a poor 45.5% clip since the injuries.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Knicks vs Suns odds
Knicks vs Suns live odds
Knicks vs Suns opening odds
- Spread: New York +5.5 | Phoenix +5.5
- Moneyline: New York -225 | Phoenix +180
- Over/Under: Over 220.5 | Under 220.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Knicks vs Suns spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Knicks quickly moved out to 6.5-point favorites immediately after this line went up on Tuesday evening, but the line has dropped back towards Phoenix with every passing hour – all the way to 4.5 as of Wednesday afternoon.
- While the Knicks have commanded 60% of the spread bets, a commanding 92% of the money is on the road favorites.
- Unlike the spread, there’s been a clear and steady move towards the over, with the number now rising more than three points from the opener.
- The Over has accounted for 78% of the tickets and 97% of the handle.
Knicks vs Suns trend
The New York Knicks have hit the Game Total Over in 29 of their last 42 games (+14.70 Units / 32% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Suns.
How to watch Knicks vs Suns
| Location: | Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ |
| Date: | Wednesday, 11-20-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
Knicks vs Suns latest injuries
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