Oct 14, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Washington Wizards guard Monte Morris (22) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Knicks vs. Wizards prediction and odds for Friday, February 24 (Trust Knicks on road)
The New York Knicks take on the Washington Wizards for the third time this season on Friday night, and they are set as slight underdogs against Kristaps Porzingis and company.
New York and Washington have split the first two games of their season series, with the Wizards winning by double digits at Madison Square Garden in their last meeting.
Washington is currently the No. 9 seed in the East, sitting four games behind the Knicks with the league entering the final stretch of the 2022-23 season. New York is a perfect 3-0 with Josh Hart in the lineup this season, jumping Miami for the No. 6 spot with a win last Wednesday.
There are a couple of injuries to monitor in this game, as Mitchell Robinson is likely to be questionable for the Knicks after Tom Thibodeau said he was unsure if the center would be able to play Friday after Wednesday’s practice.
For Washington, Bradley Beal (sore right knee) did not practice on Wednesday, leaving his status up in the air for this game.
It’s no secret that the Knicks have been better on the road than at home this season, but can they pull off the upset against the Wizards?
Knicks vs. Wizards odds, spread and total
Knicks vs. Wizards prediction and pick
When the Knicks are on the road this season, they’ve been the best bet in the NBA, going 19-10 against the spread as the away team and 12-8 ATS as road dogs.
Even though the Wizards outplayed New York the last time these teams faced off, the Knicks are a much better team based on their advanced numbers, ranking eighth in net rating to Washington’s 17th.
Beal’s injury also helps me lean towards New York, as he was a key piece in the Wizards win over them at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks are a much deeper team with Hart in the rotation, and they’ve been getting some insane play from Jalen Brunson as of late.
Washington has gone just 6-8-1 ATS as a home favorite this season, and I’m not willing to lay the points with a team that could be down its best player.
The Knicks road trend continues with another cover, and potentially a win, on Friday.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
