New York Knicks vs. Phoenix Suns Odds & Picks 3/4/22

New York Knicks (25-37 SU, 26-36-0 ATS) vs. Phoenix Suns (50-12 SU, 34-28-0 ATS)

When: Friday March 04 2022, 10:00 PM (ET)

Where: Footprint Center, Phoenix, Arizona

TV: MSG

Point Spread: NYK +6.5/PHX -6.5(Opened PHX -6.5 at Bovada – Check out their amazing live betting platform! They make Bitcoin payouts within an hour too!)

Total: 224.5 (Opened at 224.5)

Money Line: New York Knicks +211/Phoenix Suns -260

Power Rating: PHX -7

Probable Starting Lineups

New York Knicks PG Alec Burks, SG Evan Fournier, SF R.J. Barrett, PF Julius Randle, C Mitchell Robinson

Phoenix Suns PG Cam Payne, SG Landry Shamet, SF Mikal Bridges, PF Jae Crowder, C Deandre Ayton

Key Injuries

Knicks
Quentin Grimes: knee (OUT) Nerlens Noel: foot (QUESTIONABLE) Derrick Rose: ankle (OUT) Kemba Walker: conditioning (OUT)

Suns
Devin Bookers: Illness (OUT) Chris Paul: Thumb(OUT)

The Phoenix Suns host the New York Knicks in a Non-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 10:00 PM ET at the Footprint Center.

Recent Form

The New York Knicks come into this game with an overall record of 25-37, placing them 12nd in the Eastern Conference. Throughout the season, New York has struggled in their 30 road contests, sitting at 12-18. Over the Knicks’ last five games, they have picked up just 0 wins. During this stretch, New York is averaging 109.0 points per game, 4.0 points more than their season average of 105.1. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 107.0 points per contest. A key reason for New York’s recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 120.0 points over their previous five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 107.3. In the New York Knicks’ most recent game, the team fell to Philadelphia by a score of 123-108.

The Phoenix Suns come into this game with an overall record of 50-12, placing them 1st in the Western Conference. So far, Phoenix is above .500 at home, holding a record of 27-7. The Suns have played well over their last five games, picking up 3 wins. In this stretch, Phoenix’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 117.0 points per game. Combined, the Suns’ last five opponents are giving up 111.0 points per contest. Even though the Suns have been adding to the win column, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 110.0 points per game, up from Phoenix’s usual rate of 105.6. In the Phoenix Suns’ most recent game, Phoenix took down Portland by a score of 120-90.

Individual Player Analysis

As New York travels to take on the Phoenix Suns, the Knicks’ leading scorer is Julius Randle. Through 60 games, Randle is averaging 19 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 50.0% of his games. So far, the Suns are allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 50.91% of their games, placing them 19th among NBA defenses. On the other side, Phoenix will be looking for a collective scoring effort from Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges and others, as the team will be without Devin Booker and Chris Paul. Given that New York’s defense has struggled to slow down their opponent’s top scorers, look for one of these Sun’s players to have a big night. So far, the Knicks have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 55.32 of their games, giving them a rank of 19th among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Phoenix Suns are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 27 of Phoenix’s 62 games, leading to a winning percentage of 81%. So far, the New York Knicks have played 12 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 12 times, by an average margin of -12.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns have met up for 1 game. Phoenix took game one by a score of 118-97.

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How the Public is Betting the Knicks vs Suns

67% are betting the Knights against the spread.

52% are wagering on the game to go under the posted total of 224.5

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Knicks are 9-27 ATS in their last 36 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Knicks are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as a road underdog.
• Suns are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.
• Suns are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Even though the Phoenix Suns are missing their two best players, they still come into this matchup as 6.5 point favorites. On the other side, the Knicks have failed to cover the spread in 6 straight games. However, I expect them to keep this game close as the Suns will be missing Booker’s ability to create his own shot. I am taking the Knicks to cover the spread in Phoenix. Bet your Knicks/Suns pick and ALL your NBA basketball bets for free this week by taking advantage of a 100% REAL CASH bonus offer at Betnow Sportsbook! It’s the biggest sportsbook bonus you’ll ever find from a legit online bookie!