Denver Nuggets (30-14) vs. New York Knicks (26-17)
Denver Nuggets vs. New York Knicks 1/25/24 – The NBA landscape is buzzing with anticipation as the Denver Nuggets, boasting a strong 30-14 record, prepare to face off against the formidable New York Knicks, currently holding a 26-17 standing. This thrilling matchup is slated for Thursday, January 25, 2024, and is drawing attention from fans and NBA expert picks analysts alike. As these two powerhouses get ready to clash at the iconic Madison Square Garden, the stage is set for an epic showdown at 7:30 PM ET, broadcasted live on MSG.
The Denver Nuggets have put together an impressive 4-1 record over their last five games and shown remarkable resilience and skill. Their offensive prowess is evident with an average of 115.9 points per game on 49.9% field goal percentage. Their strength lies not just in scoring but also playmaking as evident by 29.3 assists per game – but their 8-15 performance against the spread could potentially reveal vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
Conversely, the Knicks have kept pace with Denver in their recent form by going 4-1 over their past five games. Their scoring average, although slightly lower at 115.2 points per game, has been balanced out with 46.3 rebounds per game and an excellent 77.9% free throw percentage. Furthermore, their road games against the spread (13-11) may prove valuable come game day.
Denver Nuggets vs. New York Knicks 1/25/24 Game Info
| When: | Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Madison Square Garden |
| TV: | MSG |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Nikola Jokic (C) vs. Jalen Brunson (PG)
Nikola Jokic has been producing MVP-caliber numbers for the Nuggets this season, playing 33.6 minutes per night while averaging 26.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 9.1 assists – nearly every time he steps onto the court! Often making plays within the paint using size and skill to shoot 49.9% from the field while excelling as a playmaker (3.2 assist-to-turnover ratio). Unfortunately though his defensive prowess remains limited.
Jalen Brunson has thrived in his first season as a Knick after signing a big contract in the offseason. Putting up 26.5 points and 6.5 assists per 35.8 minutes per game, Brunson has given New York’s offense a major boost. He maximizes possessions with strong shooting efficiency at 46.6% from the field and only 2.4 turnovers per contest. However, at just 6′ 2″, Brunson lacks size defensively and does not contribute much in terms of rebounding, posting only 3.9 boards per game.
This clash of styles pits Jokic’s dominant interior offense and rebounding against Brunson’s perimeter scoring and playmaking. Jokic should exploit his size advantage in the post while Brunson will counter that with speed and quickness off the dribble. Ultimately, Jokic’s ability to control possessions and dictact the pace of the game may give him and the Nuggets the edge. But if Brunson has the hot hand shooting and limits mistakes, the Knicks’ dynamic guard could pull off the upset victory on their home floor.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, but they will surely reflect the closely matched nature of these two teams. Bettors and fans alike will be keen to see how the odds shape up, considering both teams’ recent form and head-to-head history.
Denver Nuggets Betting Trends
The Nuggets have been inconsistent against the spread lately, covering in just 2 of their past 5 contests. Denver also struggles to cover on the road, going 8-15 ATS in away matchups on the year. However, the over has hit in 2 of their last 5 overall, as Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray’s high-powered offense is capable of putting up points in bunches. Ride Denver’s offensive firepower while tempering expectations for their performance against the number.
New York Knicks Betting Trends
The Knicks have covered the spread in 3 of their previous 5 games and sport an excellent 13-11 home ATS record. On the flip side, totals have gone under in 5 straight Knicks games and 15 of their last 21 at MSG. Their defense keeps scores low while offensive lulls occasionally strike. Expect another lower-scoring grind-it-out battle at home in which New York has a strong chance to cover if they can slow down Denver’s elite offense.
Denver Nuggets vs. New York Knicks 1/25/24 Betting Picks
In conclusion, this game promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams bringing their strengths to the fore. While the Nuggets have the edge in team stats, the Knicks’ consistency against the spread cannot be overlooked.
For bettors, the safer pick might be the Knicks, especially considering the Nuggets’ less convincing record against the spread in road games. Prop bets on individual performances, particularly of Jokic and Brunson, could also be intriguing given their pivotal roles in their respective teams. In terms of the over/under, the trend suggests a closer game, possibly leaning towards the under.
Top premium choices for this matchup would hinge on the final spread and moneyline odds, but as it stands, leaning towards the Knicks, especially at Madison Square Garden, seems a prudent choice.
Free Pick and Prediction: Denver Nuggets 108, New York Knicks 112.