The New York Knicks hit the road to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis. The Knicks have been one of the best stories across the NBA this season and have a chance to continue their success against the leagues worst team. Minnesota is at the bottom of the standings in 2021 despite having some exciting young pieces on their roster. Credit to Minnesota, they still compete every night out. These two teams will meet for the second time this season, with the Knicks taking the first bout 103-99. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Knicks-Timberwolves prediction and pick.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Knicks-Timberwolves odds.
NBA Odds: Knicks-Timberwolves Odds
New York Knicks -3.5 (-110)
Minnesota Timberwolves +3.5 (-110)
Over 218.5 Points (-110)
Under 218.5 Points (-110)
Why The Knicks Could Cover The Spread
The New York Knicks have been playing exceptional team basketball all year long. They look like a group that is finally ready to turn the corner and return to the playoffs in 2021. They are currently the fourth-seed in the Eastern Conference.
New York has played well of late, but is coming off of a tough 10-point loss against the Miami Heat on Monday night. We won't look too much into the previous loss as it was certainly a letdown spot for the ‘Bockers. New York had just pulled off an impressive six-point win against Milwaukee in the previous game.
The Knicks have had so much success this season because of their league-leading defense. It's incredible to think that this team was almost last in all defensive categories last year. They now allow just 105 points per game and are a game over .500 with 25 games left in the regular season. Offense has been a struggle for the Knicks, but they have received key contributions from RJ Barrett, Reggie Bullock, Immanuel Quickley and Alec Burks in spurts. Julius Randle has been the catalyst on that end of the floor, though. The Knicks are in a prime bounce-back spot as they are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 following an ATS loss and 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games against teams under .500. Minnesota is horrible as a home dog as well.
Why The Timberwolves Could Cover The Spread
The Minnesota Timberwolves may be in last place, but they do possess some great young talent on this roster. First overall pick Anthony Edwards is currently leading the Rookie of the Year race and has put together some stellar performances recently. Since Karl Anthony Towns returned to the court, the Wolves have been slightly better as well. In their last game against the Nets, Towns had 31 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists in the five-point loss.
We can't look at what the Timberwolves have going for them in this matchup. There really isn't much to harp on. Let's shift our focus to what the Knicks aren't necessarily capable of in this spot. New York hasn't played very well on the road this season. The offense has been horrible at times as the Knicks average just 102 points per game away from home. They compensate with good defense, but you have to score to cover regularly. With no Mitchell Robinson for the Knicks, Towns and the Wolves have one less big body to deal with.
Final Knicks-Timberwolves Prediction & Pick
This is my pick of the night. I'm excited to watch Towns and Edwards on the court, but those two won't be able to do nearly enough to come away with a victory on Wednesday evening. New York's stellar track record against subpar teams is compelling. Their ability to bounce back after a loss is riveting. Going 9-1-1 ATS in 11 games after an ATS loss has us drooling here. The Timberwolves are the worst team in the league and the Knicks will comfortably cover the 3.5 points.
FINAL KNICKS-TIMBERWOLVES PICK: New York Knicks -3.5 (-110)
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