The New York Knicks and Washington Wizards finish a two-game mini-series on Monday. New York survived a wild 136-132 overtime win against Washington on Saturday behind Jalen Brunson’s season-high 55 points. The Knicks could claim the series with another victory in the rematch.
The Wizards, +13.0 underdogs against the Knicks in their last game, pushed the star-studded team before going down in extra time. An upset can happen if Washington can put together the same output, hustle and execution in its next meeting against the same opponents.
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New York Knicks vs Washington Wizards Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips
Capital One Arena in Washington will continue to host the Knicks-Wizards duel. Fans who can’t attend the game can stream the action via the NBA League Pass.
Moneyline: Knicks (-650) vs. Wizards (+475)
Odds: Knicks (-11.5) vs. Wizards (+11.5)
Total (O/U): Knicks (o230.5 -110) vs. Wizards u230.5 -110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game
New York Knicks vs Washington Wizards preview
The Knicks barely survived the Wizards on Saturday after going just 10-for-40 from deep. New York’s 3-point shooting wasn’t the only problem, though. They allowed the Wizards, which average 107.8 points per game, to light them up for 132 points that were highlighted by 17-for-38 3-point attempts.
The Knicks played the second game of a back-to-back set in their most recent meeting with the Wizards. Following a day of rest, they should have better energy and execution on the defensive end in the rematch.
The sloppy Knicks defense helped Washington catch fire. Seven of eight Wizards reached double-digit scoring, allowing them to nearly pull off an upset without Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole.
Whether Poole plays or not, the Wizards can break through against their tormentors if they can pull together the same offensive explosion.
The Wizards almost won despite their defense struggling again. If they can’t improve on that end, outlasting the Knicks in an offensive battle might prove futile.
New York Knicks vs Washington Wizards predicted starting lineups
Knicks
PG: Jalen Brunson | SG: Josh Hart | SF: Mikal Bridges | PF: OG Anunoby | C: Karl-Anthony Towns
Wizards
PG: Carlton Carrington | SG: Malcolm Brogdon | SF: Bilal Coulibaly | PF: Justin Champagnie | C: Alex Sarr
New York Knicks vs. Washington Wizards betting tips
Jalen Brunson lit up the Wizards for 55 points in their recent meeting. Washington’s defense is one of the worst in the NBA, making it likely for the lefty guard to top his 25.5 (O/U) points prop.
If Jordan Poole is cleared to play, he gets a 21.5 (O/U) points prop. Over his last five games, “JP” has averaged 26.0 ppg. The Wizards need his scoring boost to pull off an upset against the Knicks. Poole could put together enough baskets to beat his player prop.
New York Knicks vs. Washington Wizards prediction
The Washington Wizards having another offensive explosion seems highly unlikely, even with the possible return of Jordan Poole. New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau likely gave his team a serious talking to following their effort on defense on Saturday.
Expect the Knicks to play with more energy, shoot and execute better to sweep the mini-series and beat the -11.5 spread.
Edited by Veer Badani
