Check out our free Knicks vs Wizards pick and preview for this NBA game in Washington. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this NBA matchup.
Knicks vs Wizards NBA Pick & Preview
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: New York Knicks at Washington Wizards
- Where: Washington at Capital One Arena
- Date: Friday, January 13th
- Betting Odds WAS +4, NY -172 | WAS +139 O/U OFF
The Knicks come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 23-19. So far, the team has gone 22-19-1 against the spread. In the teams past 3 games, their overall mark sits at 2-1. New York is 2-1 vs the spread in these matchups.
In their previous game, the Knicks took down the Pacers by a score of 119-113. Not only did they come away with a straight up win, but they also covered the spread as 4 point favorites. New York benefited from holding a substantial first half lead, as the Pacers actually outscored the Knicks in the second half. In the win, Jalen Brunson led the team in scoring with 34 points on a field goal percentage of 55.0%.
So far, the Wizards have put together an overall record of 18-24, while going 18-23-1 vs the spread. Across the team’s previous 3 games, they have gone 1-2 straight-up and 1-2 vs the spread.
Washington is going for yet another win, as they previously defeated the Bulls at home. With the 100-97 victory, they also covered the spread as 1 point underdogs. Washington was able to mount a big second half comeback in large part to a strong 3rd quarter. After trailing at the half by 13 points, they actually went into the final quarter with the lead. In the win, Kyle Kuzma led the team in scoring with 21 points on a field goal percentage of 45.0%.
Head To Head Recap & Stats
In last year’s regular season, the two teams played games against each other, with the Knicks walking away a series win at 2-1. New York finished with an above .500 record on the road in their head-to-head matchups. Similar to their season-long average, the Knicks averaged 110.33 points per game vs the Wizards. Just like the Knicks, the Wizards maintained their usual level of scoring in head-to-head matchups, averaging 104.33 points per game vs New York. In terms of betting, New York has an ATS record of 3-2 in the previous 5 matchups vs Washington. This mark has come on an average scoring margin of +8 points per game in favor of the Knicks. Over the course of these games, they averaged 218 points per game, leading a 2-3 over-under record.
Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game
Through 42 games, the Knicks are averaging 114.1 points per contest, placing them 15th in the NBA. When looking at the team’s pace of play, the Knicks are currently below the league average in possessions per game, averaging just 98.3 per contest. Right now, the Knicks offense is in search of answers, as not only do they tend to play at a slow pace, but they are just 25th in effective field goal percentage.
On the defensive end of the floor, the Knicks are giving up an average of 106.6 points per game, good for 6th in the NBA.
This season, the Knicks offense has primarily worked through Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson who are 1st and 2nd on the team in scoring. In his 42 games, Randle is 22nd in the NBA at 24.1 points per game. So far, him and Brunson have accounted for 38% of the team’s field goal attempts while combining to average 46.0 points per contest. In addition to sitting 2nd on the team in scoring, Jalen Brunson is grabbing 3.5 rebounds for New York to go along with 6.4 assists.
Through 42 games, the Wizards are averaging 111.8 points per contest, placing them 25th in the NBA. So far, the Wizards are averaging 98.9 possessions per game, which places them below the NBA average. Although the team tends to play at a more deliberate pace, they are currently one of the more efficient shooting teams, connecting on field goal attempts at a rate of 48.2%.
On defense, the Wizards will look for some improved play, as they are currently the 16th ranked unit in points allowed per game.
Before getting a bet down on this matchup, be sure to check in on the health status of Kristaps Porzingis who is 2nd on the team in scoring at 22.0 points per game. At the time of this article, Porzingis is listed as questionable. For the season, he is 3rd on the team in usage rate and is 39th in the NBA in player efficiency rating. If he is able to play, Washington benefit from having both of their top scorers as Kyle Kuzma leads the team and is 38th in the league in scoring (21.3). For today’s matchup, he will going against a defense ranked 15th in points allowed to power-fowards.
Knicks vs Wizards Pick
- Free Spread Prediction: Wizards +4
- Free Total Prediction: Under OFF
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