New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets Odds, Preview, and Prediction
The Brooklyn Nets (14-6) remain favorites to win the NBA title despite missing Kyrie Irving. Tonight they host cross-city rivals, the New York Knicks (11-9). Can bettors count on the Knicks to keep up with Kevin Durant? Our NBA betting expert has a pick and prediction for Tuesday night’s game.
Knicks vs. Nets Odds
| Knicks Odds | +7.5 |
| Nets Odds | +7.5 |
| Over/Under | 216.5 |
| Date | Tuesday, Nov. 30 |
| Time | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT |
On Tuesday evening, the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets will battle at the Barclays Center. New York has alternated wins and losses since November 12, failing to sustain much positive momentum. Brooklyn enters play having won four of their last five games, and 12 of their last 15 contests overall. Oddsmakers anticipate a relatively easy victory for Brooklyn in this one, pricing the Nets as 7.5-point home favorites on the spread.
Let’s take a closer look at Knicks vs. Nets odds and NBA betting tips for tonight’s matchup on TNT.
New York Knicks (+7.5)
The most important news for the Knicks coming into this matchup is the revelation that Kemba Walker will no longer be in the rotation. After signing a two-year deal with New York this past offseason, it has been a challenge to integrate Walker into the fold. Per Knicks beat writer Fred Katz, New York ranks best in the NBA in defensive rating when Walker is on the bench, and ranks dead last when he is on the floor. The Knicks rank 27th in offensive efficiency when Walker is on the floor, compared to ninth when he is on the bench. It is worth noting that New York pulled off a surprising upset on the road in their last game against the Atlanta Hawks with Walker on the sidelines due to load management.
Still, bettors should proceed with caution if backing the Knicks in this one—at least until the status of R.J. Barrett, Derrick Rose, Taj Gibson, and Nerlens Noel are clarified. When Rose is on the floor this season, New York ranks in the 77th percentile in offensive efficiency and the 96th percentile in defensive efficiency. The Knicks fall to the 42nd percentile in offensive efficiency and the 10th percentile in defensive efficiency when Rose is on the bench. If Rose is in the lineup this evening, New York is a must-bet at the current spread.
Brooklyn Nets (-67.5)
Even without Kyrie Irving in the lineup, the Nets have proven that they are one of the better teams in the league. Over their last 10 games, this group ranks 7th in the NBA in Net Rating, outscoring their opponents by 5.6 points per 100 possessions. Kevin Durant has been sensational, averaging 28.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game on 54.8 percent shooting from the floor and 41.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc. James Harden has continued to struggle with his shot, but he is leading Brooklyn with averages of 7.8 rebounds and 9.4 assists per night as he continues to show his immense value.
Nonetheless, it is worth noting that the Nets have beaten up on mostly weak teams so far this fall. Brooklyn lost by 23 points to the Milwaukee Bucks, 13 points to the Miami Heat, 23 points to the Chicago Bulls, 18 points to the Golden State Warriors, and trailed by as many as 22 points in an eventual loss to the Phoenix Suns. Brooklyn’s only mildly impressive victories have come against an Atlanta Hawks team that struggles mightily on the road, and against a Boston Celtics team that was missing some key pieces. Against a New York team that ranks 6th in the NBA in Net Rating on the road, this could be a difficult matchup for the Nets.
Knicks vs. Nets Picks
Though Barrett, Rose, Gibson, and Noel are each listed as questionable for this evening, they all seem to have a realistic chance to suit up in this one. The Knicks have not played since Saturday, which has given the entire roster a chance to recoup their health. Be sure to monitor the status of New York’s key players prior to tip-off, but if Rose and Barrett are in the lineup, this is a bargain for bettors.
PICK: Knicks +7.5 (-110)
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