The New York Knicks are 2-1 since the start of their six-game road trip , but they will certainly be tested when they take on the Phoenix Suns next. With that said, it’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Knicks-Suns prediction and pick.
The Suns have won seven of their last 10 games en route to a record of 47-19 and the 2nd seed in the Western Conference. The Knicks have also been playing very well and have won eight of their last 10 games for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and a record of 37-29.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Knicks-Suns odds.
NBA Odds: Knicks-Suns Odds
New York Knicks +6.5 (-112)
Phoenix Suns -6.5 (-108)
Over 217 Points (-105)
Under 217 Points(-115)
Why The Knicks Could Cover The Spread
The Knicks have certainly been able to build some momentum to end the season.
New York is being led offensively by Julius Randle, who is having a career season averaging 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game while shooting above 40 percent from the field and behind the 3-point line.
Coach Tom Thibodeau also has six other players at his disposal that have been averaging double-digit points, with RJ Barrett as the second-leading scorer for the team at 17.6 points per game.
The most impressive statistic about this team has been their commitment on the defensive end of the floor, where they currently rank as fourth. The Knicks' defense will be key for them on Friday against the Suns, who hold the seventh-best offensive rating in the league behind the talents of Chris Paul and Devin Booker.
Why The Suns Could Cover The Spread
The Suns have secured their first playoff appearance in a very long time. As mentioned, Coach Monty Williams’ team ranks as the seventh-best offensive team and the sixth-best defensive team in the association.
On the offensive end of the floor, this squad is being led by their dynamic backcourt of CP3 and Booker.
CP3, the playmaker for Coach Williams’ squad, is averaging 16.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game while shooting almost 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from behind the 3-point line. The impact that CP3 has on this team cannot be seen through his stats alone.
The addition of Paul has relieved Booker from his job of having to do it all—handle the ball, make plays for his teammates and score the ball. As a result, Booker has truly been the main offensive weapon for the team and is putting up 25.7 points per game while shooting an efficient 48.9 percent from the field and 34.2 percent from the arc.
Defensively, the Suns have Deandre Ayton anchoring the paint. He is averaging 1.2 blocks and 7.2 defensive rebounds per game. Moreover, Coach Williams has many defensive-minded forwards like Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder that can switch onto any players.
To cover the spread on Friday, the Suns will need a big performance defensively against arguably the most improved player in Randle by forcing the ball out of his hands and contesting his shots.
Final Knicks-Suns Prediction & Pick
Statistically, the Suns are a significantly better offensive team compared to the Knicks. Moreover, the ‘Bockers and Suns are almost equal in defensive rating.
With that said, the edge goes to the Suns as they are being led offensively by an experienced guard in CP3 to make plays despite the tough defense of the Knicks. Ultimately, Phoenix should pick up a big win as they inch closer to the top seed in the Western Conference.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION & PICK FOR KNICKS-SUNS: NYK 94, PHX 108 (PHX -6.5)
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