The New York Knicks look like they could be in a world of trouble without Jalen Brunson with three losses in their last four games, but Saturday could represent a great chance to get right against a bad Washington Wizards team.
With both teams starved for offense, I’ll explain in my Wizards vs. Knicks predictions why the defenses should tell the story in what could be an ugly game.
Let’s dig into some NBA player props and hand out some NBA picks on Saturday, March 22.
Wizards vs Knicks prediction
My best bet: 222.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The New York Knicks actually have made an improvement defensively without Jalen Brunson, who’s allowed opponents to shoot better from the mid-range and the 3-point arc when he’s been on the floor this year.
There are two issues, however – not only have the Knicks struggled to score in his absence, but most of the improvements defensively have been due to the man behind Brunson, Deuce McBride.
McBride is listed as questionable here with a groin contusion, an injury that theoretically shouldn’t take him off the floor for this one, but it’s going to be something worth monitoring regardless.
The Washington Wizards need all the help they can get with the ball in their hands, ranking third-worst in offensive efficiency this month right behind the Knicks, so the fact that New York has at least battened down the hatches defensively without Brunson could easily be a death blow.
Washington remains a team heavily focused on the outside shot, ranking in the top 10 in frequency this month, and while New York is just outside the top 10 in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, it’s still continued to dominate those matchups on the perimeter.
On the other side of the ball, the Knicks continue to shy away from taking too many 3-pointers as they search for other scoring options and that could be troublesome given the Wizards have been quite strong inside the arc in March, ranking in the top 10 against shots at the rim and in the mid-range.
All that should equate to a rock fight. The Wizards may play with a ton of pace, but both teams have done well enough defensively and have rather easy matchups, given how these teams are running.
With no sizable edge for either team on the glass, I anticipate a low-scoring game.
Wizards vs Knicks same-game parlay
Under 222.5
OG Anunoby 5+ Rebounds
Marcus Smart Over 8.5 Points
I did mention that no team has a sizable edge on the glass, but New York still has out-rebounded Washington this month, and as we weigh that, we also have to recognize that the Wizards have allowed the most rebounds per 100 possessions to their opponents over the same span.
Washington’s combination of pace and missed shots has led it to that point, and I think the best man to back here is OG Anunoby on an alternate line. He’s now grabbed five or more rebounds in all but one of his last five games as he emerges as one of this team’s most important players in a post-Brunson world.
Then, you can’t have a rock fight without Marcus Smart – and I think Washington will dust him off for decent minutes in this one. New York’s biggest liability on defense has come at the rim, where Smart has taken a large number of his shots, and until last time out in Utah he’d hit this number in four straight.
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Wizards vs Knicks odds
Wizards vs Knicks live odds
Wizards vs Knicks opening odds
- Spread: Washington +15 (-110) | New York -15 (-110)
- Moneyline: Washington +800 | New York -1300
- Over/Under: Over 221 (-110) | Under 221 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Wizards vs Knicks spread and Over/Under analysis
- The spread hasn’t moved much, jumping just one point in favor of the Knicks on Saturday afternoon.
- The Wizards have taken on 58% of the bets and 64% of the handle wagered on the spread.
- The total plummeted around 10 points just after opening, and after a slight recovery back to 223.5, has fallen back to 222.5.
- 68% of the tickets and 79% of the money are on the Over.
Wizards vs Knicks trend
The Washington Wizards have hit the 3Q Moneyline in 10 of their last 18 away games (+8.00 Units / 44% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Wizards vs Knicks.
How to watch Wizards vs Knicks
| Location | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date | Saturday, 3-22-2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Monument2, MSG |
Wizards vs Knicks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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