The Knicks and Lakers are two of the most historic franchises in the NBA that have seen some real lows in the past few years. Both are showing signs of returning to prominence – maybe not this year, but soon. In the 1/21 NBA free pick we see a matchup that would have been great in the mid 90’s, but could also be exciting today. Oddsmakers are expecting a close contest with New York favored by -1.5 but is it time to ride Showtime 3.0 at home?
Knicks Just 6-16 On the Road
New York sits in 10th in the Eastern Conference so a postseason berth isn’t out of the realm of possibilities, but they’ll need to improve on the road for a shot at the playoffs. The Knicks are showing signs of doing just that with three road wins out of their last five away games. Overall New York is just 3-7 over their last 10 however but their overall rankings aren’t that bad.
The Knicks rank 8th in field goal percentage and have the fourth best defense in terms of opponents shooting from the field. New York is a top 10 rebounding team on both ends too but somehow that hasn’t translated into sustained winning. The Knicks ‘D’ is struggling a bit lately too, allowing 100+ in nine of the last 10 including 110 or more points in five of those games. A matchup with the Lakers in the 1/21 NBA free pick could fix the Knicks defense, as LA has broken 100 points of offense just three times in their last 10 games.
Lakers Up for a Home Win?
Despite their offensive struggles, the Lakers are actually 5-5 over their last 10 games. What is bothering fans this year is that there is no consistency with this team, especially on the defensive end. Since the first of the year the Lakers defense has allowed 110+ points to five opponents – but has also limited three of them to under 90 points.
A matchup at the Staples Center could be the key for Los Angeles in the 1/21 NBA free pick. The Lakers have won four straight at home including a 99-86 win over Indiana on Friday night as +2 ‘dogs. One thing effecting Los Angeles on Sunday is injuries however. Lonzo Ball will miss his fourth straight game and it is unknown if either Brandon Ingram or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will play against the Knicks. Conversely, the Knicks are deep with all 12 players logging at least 5 minutes in their last contest.
Lakers Injury Report: Lonzo Ball ruled out vs. Knicks, Brandon Ingram questionable https://t.co/CHJ3l0izjk pic.twitter.com/wZgOjWAPeY
— MSN Philippines (@msnph) January 21, 2018
1/21 NBA Free Pick Betting
Both teams are playing on just a night of rest after games on Friday. That factoid could be working against New York more because they are in their fourth contest of a 7-game road streak. The line of NYK -1.5 has held firm and nearly 60% of the public like New York in this tilt. It’s very possible that life on the road catches up with the Knicks, but the Lakers are at a known disadvantage with their injuries. The depth of the Knicks is the key for the 1/21 NBA free pick.
Pick: New York Knicks -1.5
