New York Knicks vs Brooklyn Nets Predictions

Brooklyn Nets vs Knicks Final Prediction

With the New York Knicks trying to get momentum to start their run to a deep playoff run, many of their pieces have started to slowly build chemistry. In a game which they should definitely win due to the talent differential, nothing would be better for them to get on a hot streak than beat their cross-town rivals twice in a row. Going into this matchup, this group will once again be led by the very dynamic guard in Jalen Brunson. As he plays very hard every night and seems to ever miss his mark of scoring, his offensive disposal includes some elite three-point shooting plus layup attempts. Going up against a less efficient defender in Dennis Schroeder, he should continue his masterful performances while also having a slight size advantage here. Even though Brunson’s defense could be very weak as well and allow Schroeder to score some points, the volume at which the Knicks guard scores is something that the Brooklyn one wouldn’t be able to reach. Although Cam Thomas is going to be a great all-around scorer for the Nets once again and finish with a high total, he will be facing New York’s Mikal Bridges. As Thomas has shown great inside ability and also knocking the three-ball, Bridges all-around game will match that production. Seeing the Knicks shooting guard, he has been a great faciliator next to Brunson and someone who can rebound while constantly switching with other defenders to create defensive traps. Being their best player that can be used as a utility guy too, Bridges should have a size benefit over Cam Thomas on the other end. 

Having an extremely aggressive and high-octane defender in Josh Hart, he will be able to limit Cameron Johnson’s three’s in this game. Knowing that he is someone who fights for every single rebound and can really provide a ton of steals plus blocks, his shut down ability will force the Nets backcourt to do most of the shooting once again. Someone who can provide with dunks and mid-range shots on offense as well, he should use strength to have a couple of key finishes over Johnson. At power forward, O.G. Annunoby continues to be a figure in the Knicks two-way game plan as well. Someone who has shown real potential to hit perimeter shots, his wing defense will really force Doriann Finney-Smith into some rough shots, while using great body control to force the Nets power forward into bad passes as well. Although Finney-Smith has shown great ability to rebound, the size of O.G. Annunoby will help him get offensive boards with ease and covert them into second-chance opportunity points. Being someone that can really stretch the floor for this Knicks team as well through three-point shot making, he will have another big night against an opponent with less agility and stamina. Even though the Knicks were missing Karl Anthony-Towns last game, he will be back unless something serious occurs. Having a center that can play a very good role from deep and get boards on both the offensive plus defensive ends, he provides a lot of help when other pieces of this unit are really struggling. Also a great finisher inside the paint, his advantage of the smaller Ben Simmons will help him dominate throughout the game. Since Ben Simmons is more of the play-making type with less defensive energy, the Knicks star should continue riding the hot-hand. All in all, the Knicks should win this matchup, but Brooklyn has a shot if Dennis Schroeder and Cam Thomas completely outplay the Knicks backcourt, while bench pieces like Noah Clowney can replace the loss of Nic Claxton. 

Our prediction: The New York Knicks win this game and cover their -6.5 spread, while the game goes over 215.5 points.