New York Knicks vs Washington Wizards Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 18/01/2024, 05:19  by Joseph King | Modified on 18/01/2024 at 11:30 in NBA Prediction

The Eastern Conference’s fifth-place New York Knicks host the 14th-placed Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on Thursday. The Knicks are playing their second game in as many days following a 109-94 home win over the Rockets last night. The victory sees New York maintaining the fifth spot with their 24-17 record as they look to close the gap on the Cavaliers who they trail by just one game. Tom Thibodeau’s squad has excelled when playing under the bright lights of MSG and have amassed a 12-5 home record compared to 12-12 on the road. The Knicks have one of the fiercest defenses in the NBA, especially at home where they rank second at just 105.2 opponent points allowed per game. New York is 7-2 since the trade to acquire OG Anunoby from Toronto with their only two losses during that time coming by a combined eight points to the Mavs and Magic.

The Wizards have been a mess this season and are in danger of being overtaken by the Detroit Pistons for the worst record in the NBA. Washington is currently 7-32 with their most recent appearance resulting in a 129-117 loss to the aforementioned Pistons. It was the team’s eighth loss in their last 10 games where they have allowed 121.7 points per game during that stretch. Defense has been the main issue for the Wiz this season and they currently rank as the league’s worst team in this regard with a 125.3 average points allowed per game. The visitors have been decent on the offensive side of the ball, ranking 15th in the NBA with 115.5 average points per game although they rank 25th in adjusted offensive rating.