Two teams going in Different Directions…

February 13, 2023

185

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Brooklyn at NY Knicks -2.5 (O/U 220)

The vibe in New York and at the Madison Square Garden is as high as ever. This team is vibrant, energetic and it is contagious. This Knick team is having fun and bringing in Josh Hart is exactly what they needed, a high 3pt % shooting, outspoken, shooting guard who plays hard on both ends!

Yes I know the narrative, Brooklyn has beaten the Knicks 9 straight times. They have heard this for 2 days in the Big Apple and quite some time before that. No Harden, no Durant, no Irving, this new look Brooklyn team could have trouble with this high flying, fast New York club.

Brooklyn’s last three games they have failed to shoot over 43% from the field. Now they have to face a Knick team who might not necessarily force a lot of turnovers, but they’re extremely good at holding teams to low shooting percentages. What New York does do well, Brooklyn basically doesn’t. The Knicks are top five offensively in turnovers, free-throw attempts and offensive rebounds. While Brooklyn ranks 20th, 26th and 26th in those categories.

The Knicks winners of 3 of 4, have shown they can win both types of games, high scoring and low scoring defensive games. Three of their last nine outcomes have been determined by overtime, and this team has shown a fight in every single one of them. I believe the Knicks end that streak tonight and end the narrative of losing to Brooklyn.

Knicks -2.5 (BetRivers -110) 1 unit

Washington at Golden State -4 (O/U 233.5)

Golden State comes off two, as in Steve Kerr put it “frustrating games.” Lilliard scored 33 points off of 16 free throws in Portland last Wednesday. 3 days later they lose at home to a LeBron-less Lakers, in a poor shooting performance, shooting only 42% from the field and 27% from three.

Luckily, they face a Washington team who has had it struggles defensively as of late, giving up over 13 three-pointers a game. I think the Wizards are vastly improved this season, but I don’t believe they are at Golden States level yet. While Washington is 5-3 in their last eight games, 3 of those wins have come across bottom, feeder teams Houston, San Antonio and Charlotte. While the other two are vs struggling Indiana and New Orleans.

I believe Golden State will show its class tonight and take care of business at home.

Warriors -4 (DraftKings -110) 0.75 unit