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The Phoenix Suns head to the Big Apple to take on the New York Knicks on Monday night. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Suns-Knicks prediction and pick.
The New York Knicks have been the hottest story in basketball as they are currently riding a nine-game winning streak coming into this inter-conference affair. They have covered in 10 straight games and will look to continue climbing up the Eastern Conference standings. Will the second-best team in the Western Conference finally put an end to the Knicks impressive winning streak?
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Suns-Knicks odds.
NBA Odds: Suns-Knicks Odds
Phoenix Suns -2 (-110)
Over 215.5 Points (-110)
Under 215.5 Points (-110)
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Why The Suns Could Cover The Spread
The Phoenix Suns have undoubtedly been one of the most improved teams in all of basketball this season. We definitely saw it coming after their 8-0 run in the bubble last season. The second-best team in the west currently ranks fifth defensively and is the only team in the league to still have fewer than 10 road losses in 2021. They will be playing in their second game in respective nights, but have fared well on the back end this season, going 10-4 in this spot. Coming off of a loss to Brooklyn yesterday, the Suns are in a prime bounce-back spot.
Phoenix ran into a huge problem on Sunday as Kevin Durant returned to the floor and scorched the Suns. Devin Booker was impressive in the loss, leading the way with 36 points. Deandre Ayton has continued to ascend this season as well, adding another double-double to his impressive resume. The Suns will hope to see a bit more scoring from Chris Paul as he registered just 14 points in the loss. Phoenix is 4-1 ATS in their last five games against the New York Knicks.
Why The Knicks Could Cover The Spread
The New York Knicks are arguably the most improved team this season. They are surging at the perfect time as the postseason is just right around the corner. New York has hit its stride, winning its last nine games coming in. Head coach Tom Thibodeau has his team playing some of the best defense in all of basketball this season. What's been most impressive about this team of late has been the resurgence on the offensive end of the floor. The Knicks see key contributions on offense in winning efforts.
There is no question that the monster play of Julius Randle has been most crucial for this team down the stretch. Many have overlooked the importance of second-year stud RJ Barrett, though. Barrett has been the most clutch player on this team and delivered another huge fourth quarter for the Knicks in their recent win against Toronto. Barrett delivered 12 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter to seal the deal for New York. Randle led the way with 33 points and 10 rebounds. New York will look to continue their longest winning streak since the 2012-13 season.
Final Suns-Knicks Prediction & Pick
Although I lean on Phoenix in this matchup, I am extremely reluctant to bet against the New York Knicks right now. The Knicks have been the hottest team in the league and have protected their home court all season long. Phoenix is an offensive juggernaut and the Knicks have certainly ascended on that end of the floor. I see this game being a back-and-forth battle between two well-rounded teams that will produce lots of points. The Suns have been hitting overs on a regular basis and Knicks games have gone over the total in six of their last seven.
FINAL PICK: Over 215.5 Points (-110)
