The New York Knicks, back from a successful four-game road trip, are trying to get healthy for what they hope is a deep postseason run.
Their matinee opponent Saturday, the Brooklyn Nets, are just trying to stay alive in the East playoff picture.
The rivals from across the East River battle it out at MSG, with the Knicks pegged as 7.5-point favorites in the NBA odds.
Can New York make it five straight over BK? Read on for my free Nets vs Knicks free NBA picks for Saturday, March 23.
Nets vs Knicks odds
Nets vs Knicks predictions
The Knicks were riding a 4-game win streak, but that came screeching to a halt last time out in a 113-100 defeat to the Denver Nuggets.
That’s the highest point total New York has surrendered in its last seven games, with five of the opponents coming in under 100 points, an average of 91.6 points per game.
The Knicks have really leaned into that defense — allowing just 108 points per game on the year, second overall in the NBA — as they are still down an entire starting frontcourt.
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) and OG Anunoby (elbow) have already been listed as out, while Julius Randle (shoulder) is still a while out from even scrimmaging again.
The Nets, meanwhile, are staggering down the stretch, losing five straight and seven of their last eight. The latest setback was a 115-108 L at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks.
It’s hard to believe, but BK was actually a .500 team on Boxing Day, but it’s managed just 11 wins over the next 40, putting its chances at sniffing a play-in on life support.
Offensively, the Nets are challenged, putting up just 111.4 points per game, which ranks 25th. During this recent spell, that number has cratered to a lowly 106.4 points per contest.
New York has won both games of this 4-game regular season set thus far and has peeled off four straight overall, with three of those games by double-digits.
It’s just tough sledding right now offensively for the Knicks, with an all-NBA talent in Randle sidelined, and the all-around contributions of Anunoby on the wing.
Instead, this has all the makings of a low-scoring slugfest. The two teams have hit the Under in two meetings on the year. I think that runs to three.
My best bet: Under 204.5 (-110 at DraftKings)
Nets vs Knicks same-game parlay
Under 204.5
Jalen Brunson Under 29.5
Josh Hart Over 10.5 rebounds
Jalen Brunson did a ton of heavy lifting for the Knicks on the road trip, leading the team in scoring in all four games.
But his numbers are trending downward, as he potted 45 in Portland, 42 in SacTo, 34 vs GState and 26 in the loss to the Nuggets.
The diminutive guard has not been lighting up MSG since coming out of the All-Atar break, failing to eclipse the 30-point plateau in four straight games, and just twice in six opportunities at the Mecca.
While he is the undoubted No. 1 option, I think New York spreads the offensive love around in its first game back home, with Brunson barely staying Under the 29.5-point line.
Josh Hart is really just a big in a swingman’s body. He’s been averaging double-digit rebounding the last two months.
Hart mustered just three boards in the loss to Denver, but he is also coming off a game where he played all 48 minutes at Golden State and his energy was sapped playing at altitude.
That snapped a streak of six straight games where he had grabbed at least 11 boards. He already has a 13-rebound game against the Nets this year, so look for Hart to get back to cleaning glass Saturday.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Nets vs Knicks spread and Over/Under analysis
• New York is 4-0 against the spread vs the Nets in the last four meetings.
• Brooklyn owns a Bottom-5 ATS record in the NBA at 30-37-3.
• The Knicks have the second-best Under record in the league, going 43-26-0.
• The Nets have hit the Over in eight of their last 10 games.
Nets vs Knicks betting trend to know
The Knicks have lost once in their last 15 games vs East opponents with a losing record. Find more NBA betting trends for Nets vs. Knicks.
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Nets vs Knicks game info
| Location: | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date: | Saturday, March 23, 2024 |
| Tip-off: | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | MSG, YES |
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