The Nets have had their best season since the 2017 season; with a record of 26-13, the Nets sit only half a game behind the Philadelphia 76ers for first in the eastern conference. Since the James Harden trade on January 13th, the Nets are 19-7 and have the third-best record in the NBA. With Kevin Durant slated to return from injury any game now and the addition of forward Blake Griffin, this Nets team is gearing up for the stretch run heading into the playoffs.
The Knicks are also having their best season but since 2012. With a record of 20-19, the Knicks are the 7th seed in the eastern conference. With their first all-star since 2012, Julius Randle is having a career season averaging 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists this season, and the Knicks emphasizing defense. This team has a good problem where they are good now and have great cornerstone pieces for the future.
Brooklyn Nets Betting Preview: Reinforcements Incoming
The Nets are on a great streak right now; they have won 12 of their last 13 games, all without their superstar Kevin Durant who is nursing a hamstring injury. The nets also acquired Blake Griffin via waivers after the Pistons bought out his contract, adding much-needed big man depth. Griffin will likely start once he gets acclimated with the Nets system, but for now, we’ll have to wait as it is more than likely Durant and Griffin should both come back at around the same time.
The Nets record against the spread this season is 21-18. That’s only a one-game difference from the Knicks record against the spread, which is 22-17. The Nets fourth-ranked home record has extended to 15-6 on the year as compared to the Knicks away record of 9-12. The Nets are coming into this game as the hottest team in the league, and I don’t see how the Knicks can or will stop them.
New York Knicks Betting Preview: Here’s to you, Mitchell Robinson
The Knicks were in a great position heading into the all-star break. They were the fifth seed in the eastern conference with a record of 19-18. Now they sit with a record of 20-19 hanging onto the seventh seed in the eastern conference; that’s how tight the east is right now. The Knicks have been without defensive star Mitchell Robinson since late January; he’s been battling a hand injury. He is slated to be re-evaluated in four weeks.
The Knicks have won six of their last ten games and are 6-9 on the season as the road underdogs. The Nets are 10-4 on the season as a home favorite this year, covering the spread in nine of those 14 games. The Knicks are going to need a miracle to win this game outright, but I can see them being stingy and annoying enough to cover the spread if they limit the turnovers and continue to play stellar defense.
Brooklyn vs New York odds and lines:
FanDuel opened the odds with the Brooklyn Nets favored by 8.5 points with the Over/Under set at 223.
Free pick of the night: Nets moneyline and the over of 223.
