The New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets will play a big non-conference game at Madison Square Garden in tonight's NBA action.
New York rolls into this East-versus-West war with momentum, having won four straight games. Those winning ways have a lot to do with the play of star guard Jalen Brunson, who takes the spotlight in my Nuggets vs. Knicks predictions.
Here are my best NBA picks for January 29.
Nuggets vs Knicks prediction
My best bet
Jalen Brunson Over 2.5 Rebounds (+120 at bet365)
My analysis
Jalen Brunson is the beating heart of the New York Knicks, and it’s not just his scoring pushing New York among the Eastern Conference elite. The 6-foot-2 sparkplug is also impacting the outcome with his playmaking and rebounding.
Bruson is pulling down about three boards an outing on the season and started January with a bigger presence on the glass, snatching more than three rebounds a night in the first eight games of the month. Those rebounding tallies have dipped in recent outings, taking his rebounding totals with it.
Brunson’s player props were set at 3.5 rebounds O/U in the middle of the month, but after recording just a single rebound in four of the past five games (had three vs. Brooklyn on Jan. 21), his rebound market has slid significantly with Over 2.5 now priced at +120 for tonight’s matchup with the Denver Nuggets.
NBA player projections all call for more than three boards from Brunson, ranging from 3.3 to 3.6. My number comes out to 3.4 rebounds, which should have this prop priced around Over 2.5 (-180).
The Nuggets play a much faster tempo than the Knicks, rating as the fifth-quickest pace in the NBA. That means added possessions and more field goal attempts from both sides.
The Over/Under number in the 240s certainly predicts a high-scoring game script. Denver tends to push tempo even more on the road and jacks up the sixth most shots per game as a visitor (91.4), which adds up to more rebounding opportunities.
Before this recent rebounding lull, Brunson had pulled down three or more boards in 26 of his first 41 games of the season (63.4% of outings). That includes three rebounds in New York’s 145-118 road win over Denver back on November 25.
Nuggets vs Knicks same-game parlay
Jalen Brunson 3+ rebounds
Jalen Brunson 25+ points
Nikola Jokic 25+ points
Brunson will battle on the board in a quick-paced game with plenty of shots. Projections sit above three rebounds.
Brunson is also forecasted for a big scoring night, with many models higher than 28 points tonight.
Superstars tend to shine in MSG, and Nikola Jokic is no exception. The Nuggets’ MVP is projected to flirt with 30 points in the Mecca tonight.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Nuggets vs Knicks odds
Nuggets vs Knicks live odds
Nuggets vs Knicks opening odds
- Spread: Denver +3 | New York -3
- Moneyline: Denver +125 | New York -150
- Over/Under: Over 243.5 | Under 243.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Nuggets vs Knicks spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Knicks opened as 3-point favorites, and while the spread hasn’t moved, the vig on New York -3 has gone from -110 to -115, suggesting a potential adjustment.
- The Over/Under total opened as high as 243.5 points and dipped to as low as 239.5 points before coming back up to 240 points. There have been 33 games with totals of 240 or higher this season, with those contests finishing 19-14 O/U (57% Overs).
- According to Covers Consensus, 51% of picks are laying the points with the home side, while 57% of picks on the total are taking the Over.
Nuggets vs Knicks trend
Denver has gone Over the total in 15 of its 17 non-conference clashes with Eastern foes this season, including a home stand vs. the Knicks back in November. Find more NBA betting trends for Nuggets vs. Knicks.
How to watch Nuggets vs Knicks
| Location | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date | Wednesday, 1-29-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ALT, MSG |
Nuggets vs Knicks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
