Suns vs Knicks Picks and Predictions: Randle Remains New York's Driving Force

After dropping four straight games, the New York Knicks landed a critically important victory against the Houston Rockets. Julius Randle has been a force on offense of late, and that shouldn't change tonight. 

The Phoenix Suns are searching for an identity on offense, as the long-term injury to Devin Booker has left the team scrambling for answers. The Suns will have difficulty scoring points against an aggressive New York defense. 

Find out the best options with our free NBA betting picks and predictions for the Suns vs. Knicks on Monday, January 2.

Suns vs Knicks best odds

Suns vs Knicks picks and predictions

The Julius Randle Express Train continues to steamroll forward, and there's no reasonable reason to suggest that it won't continue tonight against the Suns. First, the Phoenix defense can be successfully attacked, as it ranks 19th overall in rating on that side of the ball. That will hurt, as Randle will use his physical abilities to score in the paint combined with his range from the perimeter. 

Phoenix allows opponents to connect on 36% of their 3-point attempts, ranking 17th in the NBA. This will be a significant problem because Randle has continued to dominate opponents from behind the arc, connecting on four or more threes in each of his last five games. 

Phoenix is also lackluster around the rim, allowing opponents to score 49.7% of their attempts in the paint, 19th best overall. While Randle can sometimes get a little too comfortable settling for jump shots, he can be a serious problem down low when using his incredible strength and touch. 

Another big issue to monitor here is the health of RJ Barrett and Jalen Brunson. With both players missing time of late, Randle has become an offensive juggernaut, scoring as well as almost anyone in the NBA (outside of Luka, of course). In Randle's last game against Phoenix, he netted 25 points on 50% shooting. The Suns aren't nearly as formidable as they were a year ago, and I like Randle to continue his strong play tonight.

My best bet: Julius Randle Over 28.5 points (-114)

Suns vs Knicks spread analysis

The Suns are in a difficult position as they have an aging all-time great point guard in Chris Paul, who will be asked to keep the team afloat amid Booker's groin injury. If all were even, the Knicks would have difficulty keeping up with Phoenix, but that changes with Booker now sidelined for at least a month. 

The spread is currently set at Knicks -1. When the 26-year-old Booker is not playing, the Suns are 2-6 straight up this season and 25-61 SU throughout his career. A big question has always been, "who will carry the load when he's absent?"

Deandre Ayton is the logical answer, but he hasn't stepped into those lofty No. 1-overall pick shoes. In his career, Ayton has averaged 16.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 29 games without Booker. That will not get it done, especially against the Knicks, where Ayton will have to match up with Mitchell Robinson, who ranks No. 5 in blocks per game (1.8). 

The Knicks defense got back on track on New Year's Eve against the struggling Rockets. A victory tonight will be a big statement for New York, as its recent eight-game winning streak is already facing legitimacy questions. With the Suns lacking high-level scoring talent behind Booker, there are few ways they'll be able to score enough points to come out of this with a victory. 

Suns vs Knicks Over/Under analysis

The Under on tonight's total of 219 seems logical in a game that could potentially see Booker, Brunson, and Barrett out. 

First, from a shooting percentage standpoint, the Knicks and Suns are both in the league's bottom half. The Knicks have the 25th-best field goal percentage in the NBA, making 45.6% of their attempts. The Suns are better at 17th, but still not among the league's best, connecting on 47%. With Booker out, I expect that number to take a significant nosedive. 

This one should be easy to determine. The Knicks, not known for their defense, will be playing without Barrett, their third-leading scorer. The sample size is small, but Phoenix has scored 206 total points in the two games since Booker has been sidelined. It's hard to imagine the offense finding a rhythm against this Knicks defense. 

Suns vs Knicks betting trend to know

The Knicks are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight-up win. Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Knicks.

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