New York Knicks (14-11) vs. Brooklyn Nets (13-12)
New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets 12/20/23 – On Wednesday in an intriguing Eastern Conference matchup, the New York Knicks will meet up against their archrival Brooklyn Nets. Set to take place at Barclays Center, this game not only marks an epic struggle for New York supremacy but is also key in terms of season standings. Both teams have shown tremendous promise this year; NBA free predictions enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting this encounter for guidance when making betting decisions.
The Knicks have had a terrific start to their season, scoring an average of 114.5 points per game and posting an impressive field goal percentage of 46.2% with particularly effective 3-point shooting (38.1%). Their recent five games against the spread have been mixed; going 2-3 but they have proven they can hold their own on the road, something which may prove crucial in this away matchup.
The Nets have been steadily trailing behind New York Knicks in standings, yet still boast an impressive scoring average of 116.4 points per game – just ahead of their opponent. Their field goal and three-point percentages are slightly superior – suggesting strong offensive prowess – and recent results against the spread (4-1 over five games) indicate they may be finding momentum just at the right time.
New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Barclays Center |
| TV: | YES |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Jalen Brunson (PG) vs. Cam Thomas (SG)
In his first season with New York, Jalen Brunson has given the Knicks the lead guard presence they sorely lacked. He’s averaging 25.5 points and 5.9 assists while shooting 46% from the field. Brunson has shown great feel as a pick-and-roll maestro and keeps defenders guessing with his herky-jerky style. While not a lockdown defender, he gives consistent effort at that end. For the Knicks to win, Brunson must avoid turnover issues against Brooklyn’s aggressive, switching defense.
Cam Thomas has taken his game to the next level this season, cementing himself as Brooklyn’s go-to scorer. He’s nearly unguardable, with the ability to post up smaller defenders or blow by bigger ones. While prone to inefficient shooting nights, Thomas is a decent playmaker when drawing extra attention. His biggest weakness is a lack of effort on defense at times. If engaged defensively while still producing his typical offensive numbers, Thomas could dominate this matchup.
The individual battle between Brunson and Thomas could very well determine this game. Brunson must avoid Thomas length and shot blocking on drives while remaining efficient himself on pull-up jumpers. Meanwhile, Thomas faces a player in Brunson with both the strength to hold his own in the post and quick hands to disrupt Thomas’ handle. Whoever gets the upper hand could lead their team to victory.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As the odds and point spreads for this game are yet to be determined, bettors should closely monitor these as they will provide valuable insights into how the bookmakers view the matchup. Given the Nets’ recent form against the spread and their home advantage, they might be the slight favorites in this encounter.
New York Knicks Betting Trends
The Knicks have been solid against the spread this year at 14-11 ATS. They also have a winning 7-5 ATS record on the road. The Knicks have trended OVER recently, going over the total in four of their last five overall. That could continue against Brooklyn’s uptempo offense.
Brooklyn Nets Betting Trends
Brooklyn has also been strong against the spread of late, covering in four of their past five contests. That includes a 4-1 ATS record in their previous five home games as well. The Nets have gone OVER the total in two of their last give games overall. Their high-powered offense gives them a chance to push that trend further tonight.
New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets 12/20/23 Betting Picks
Considering both teams’ current form and stats, this game is poised to be a closely fought contest. The Nets’ slight edge in offensive efficiency and recent form against the spread, coupled with their home-court advantage, makes them a tempting pick.
In terms of betting, the over/under market seems particularly intriguing, given both teams’ tendency towards high-scoring games. For multi-handicapper tips and picks, paying attention to the line movements and any late-breaking team news will be crucial in making informed decisions.
Free Pick and Prediction: Brooklyn Nets 110, New York Knicks 105