Can Knicks, Nets build on Sunday succeses
Busy January schedules continue Tuesday for the Nets and the Knicks. Both are coming off double-digit covers at home Sunday. But, both will be dealing with tough midweek challenges.
The Nets (-9), with Kyrie Irving back after a long injury layoff, crushed Atlanta 108-86 Sunday.
The second half was a virtual scrimmage after the Nets raced to a 70-46 halftime lead.
Irving’s return is very well timed. The Nets had been 1-7 against the spread their prior eight games. Spencer Dinwiddie in particular was showing signs of wear and tear. The team will be tested much more intensely Tuesday vs. Utah, and Wednesday at Philadelphia in a potential playoff preview that will be televised by ESPN.
That two-game tandem vs. the Jazz and Sixers launches a seven-games-in13-days gauntlet that begins and ends with a back-to-back. The Nets will play 15 games between now and their AllStar break which starts Feb. 13.
The Knicks (+71/2) upset Miami 124-121 Sunday to end a string of blowout losses.
The Knicks had just missed the spread by 17, 10 and 7¹/2 points against the Lakers, Jazz and Pelicans.
VSiN recently advised that the Knicks are most likely to cash tickets when they win points in the paint and rebounds. Their young talent attacks the basket. Flat, overconf ident, or disinterested opponents are prone to allow too many easy points. New York outscored Miami 72-46 in points in the paint, and rebounds 39-38. One board may not sound like much, but the Heat entered the game leading the NBA in rebound rate.
Defense continues to be an issue though. Sunday, the Knicks allowed 121 points on only 95 possessions. In their last six outings, they allowed 121, 123, 128, 117, 135 and 120 points.
That could be a problem Tuesday at explosive Milwaukee. The Knicks play again Thursday vs. Phoenix at the Garden. The Knicks won’t have two consecutive days off until the end of this month. Like the Nets, they also have 15 games between now and the break.
Handicapping tips for the immediate future:
Monitor the Nets’ box scores to get a read on the teamwide response to Irving’s return. Look for offensive synergy stats (shooting percentage, assisted baskets) and team defense. Irving isn’t known as a great defender. Will his teammates have his back? Bettors will have to make smart decisions on the fly.
Evaluate need, motivation and general form for the Knicks’ opponents. The Knicks are often outmanned, but are still showing effort for new head coach Mike Miller. They should continue to cash tickets when not outmanned. The Knicks are a 60 percent cover team vs. opponents owning losing straight-up records since Miller replaced David Fizdale.
Monitor potential fatigue during this very busy stretch for both teams. Soft 2-point defense and poor 3-point shooting often signal tired legs.
Only three football games left. Bet smart on the NBA!