Warriors vs Knicks Picks and Predictions: Klay's Struggles Without Curry Continue

Can you imagine the excitement at Madison Square Garden with the red-hot New York Knicks facing off against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors? 

Unfortunately, Curry, who hasn't lost a game at MSG since 2013, won't be available in this one as he's sidelined with a shoulder injury. 

The Knicks will need to stick to their script in this one: Play tough defense, let Brunson orchestrate the offense, and don't make things harder for the team with silly turnovers. The Warriors will need a big performance from someone to keep Golden State in it.

Between Jordan Poole and Klay Thompson, somebody will have to steal the show, but who? Find out in our NBA picks and predictions for Warriors vs. Knicks below. 

Warriors vs Knicks best odds

Warriors vs Knicks picks and predictions

Listing out all the reasons Steph Curry's injury is a significant blow to the Warriors will result in an essay. He's a megastar and basketball legend, and his impact on this team cannot be overstated. It also cannot be overlooked how much Klay Thompson has struggled over his career when Curry isn't on the floor with him. 

Simply put, Thompson has been bad in the three games he's played without Curry in the lineup this season. How bad are we talking? He's averaging 17 points on 32.1% shooting from the field. Yes, it's been that bad for Thompson. 

When Curry is on the floor, he constantly attracts so much attention from the defense. That results in a plethora of open looks for his running mates in Thompson, Jordan Poole, etc. When Curry is absent, it makes Thompson's job infinitely more challenging, and the horrid 31.2% shooting mark shows how little he can accomplish when a tough defense is sent his way. 

Curry being sidelined doesn't bode well for Thompson tonight, who will see a combination of Quintin Grimes and Jalen Brunson. The dynamic backcourt has been stellar on the defensive end of the court of late, and Thompson's inability to create off the dribble will make it hard for him to get anything going.

My best bet: Klay Thompson Under 22.5 points (-106)

Warriors vs Knicks spread analysis

NBA odds are finally respecting the Knicks' name and for good reason. It's hard to describe just how quickly the Knicks turned around their once-doomed season, putting themselves firmly in the Top 6 in the East before Christmas. The way they play makes it hard to see that slowing down anytime soon. 

I like the Knicks plenty in this matchup. The Warriors secured only their third road victory of the season behind a Curry-like performance from Jordan Poole, who scored 43 points.

The chances of Golden State winning back-to-back on the road is near impossible, as they've posted a 4-13 road ATS record this season. The Knicks, winners of their last seven ATS, are a better team than the Warriors when Steph Curry isn't available. 

The Warriors currently surrender 116.6 points per game, and the Knicks are 7-6 ATS and 9-4 SU when scoring more than 116.6 points. The Warriors average 117.3 points per game this season, but that number drops to 108.6 when Curry isn't available. Even so, New York is 14-5-1 ATS when allowing less than 117.3 points.

The Knicks' defense will make it incredibly difficult for the Warriors to get anything positive going tonight. The Knicks have the 13th-best scoring offense (114.1 ppg), while the Warriors rank 26th in points per game allowed (116.6). They are 4.5-point favorites in this one and I expect them to cover.

Warriors vs Knicks Over/Under analysis

When looking at this Knicks' powerful defense combined with the Warriors' lack of firepower when Curry isn't playing, it's hard to even consider the Over in this one. With the rejuvenated Knicks' focus on defense, they've hit the Under in eight of their last 10 games. 

I don't see the prerequisite firepower on the Golden State roster that will turn this game into a shootout. The Warriors have an 18-11-2 O/U record this season and — despite Curry being out — have hit the Over in the last two games.

That stops tonight at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks will throw tough defenders at Poole on the perimeter, as he's likely the sole player on the team who can potentially burn you. 

Andrew Wiggins is another big piece not suiting up tonight and his 19.1 points per game won't be easy to replace. I see the Knicks throwing a lot of defensive pressure at Poole, forcing the Warriors to entrust everyone else to shoot the ball. It won't end well for Golden State. 

Warriors vs Knicks betting trend to know

The Under is 5-0 in New York's last five home games. Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Knicks.

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