The New York Knicks (24-45) look to snap their nine-game losing streak when they take on the Charlotte Hornets (30-39) at Madison Square Garden. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 17, 2018, and will air on MSG Network.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 221 points with Charlotte opening as a 6.5-point favorite.
Charlotte Hornets vs. New York Knicks ATS Prediction
The last time the Hornets played, they defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 129-117. The Hornets had a better free throw rate (0.230 vs. 0.189) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.626 (above their season average of 0.504). With 33 points on 13-for-20 shooting, Dwight Howard was the game’s high scorer.
The Knicks lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in their last game, 118-110. Philadelphia out-rebounded New York. The 76ers had more offensive rebounds (19 vs. eight) and total rebounds (53 vs. 44). Michael Beasley had a solid game for New York, leading the team in scoring with 24 points on 11-for-16 shooting.
The battle on the backboards could prove decisive, pitting strength against strength. The Knicks are among the NBA’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking fifth in offensive rebounding percentage at 24.4 percent. Meanwhile, Charlotte ranks first in the NBA at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 81.2 percent. Furthermore, the Hornets rank second in turnover percentage (12.1 percent), while the Knicks rank 23rd in opponents’ turnover percentage (13.3 percent).
Charlotte holds records of 30-39 straight up (SU) and 28-37-4 against the spread (ATS). A little over half of the Hornets’ games have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, New York owns records of 24-45 SU and 31-38 ATS. Knicks games also have a slight tendency to finish over the total (52.2 percent).
Howard has averaged 22.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks over the last five games for Charlotte.
The two teams have split their two matchups this season. The Hornets won the most recent matchup 109-91, covering as 9-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 200 points, which was 6.5 points below the projected point total of 206.5 points. Charlotte had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.8 vs. 22.2). New York, on the other hand, did a terrific job of converting from the charity stripe (16-20; 80.0 percent). Michael Kidd-Gilchrist recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Charlotte Hornets at New York Knicks Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Hornets, ATS Winner – Hornets, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Charlotte is 12-18-3 ATS on the road with 17 overs, 15 unders and 1 push.
New York is 17-16 ATS at home with 17 overs and 16 unders.
Charlotte is 10-3 when they allow below 100 points, while New York is 11-3.
In games where they score more than 100 points, the Hornets are 29-18 and the Knicks are 23-24.
Charlotte ranks second in steals allowed per game (6.4) while New York ranks 24th (8.2).
The Hornets rank second in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.2) while the Knicks rank 23rd (17.6).
Charlotte ranks first in second chance points allowed per game (10.2) while New York ranks 19th (12.9).
The Knicks average 5.3 blocks per game, which ranks sixth in the league. The Hornets rank 19th in blocks allowed per game (5.0).
New York averages 22.8 assists per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. Charlotte ranks 26th in assists allowed per game (24.7).
The Hornets rank fifth in rebounds per game (44.9) while the Knicks rank 16th (43.9).
New York averages 46.7 points in the paint per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. Charlotte ranks 17th in points allowed in the paint per game (45.0).
The Hornets rank fifth in fast break points allowed per game (10.3) while the Knicks rank 14th (11.7).
Charlotte ranks 22nd in three pointers attempted per game (26.9) while New York ranks last (22.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Charlotte is 2-3 ATS with 5 overs.
New York is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Hornets’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.6, up from 0.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Knicks have scored an average of 102.4 points per game (1.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 118.2 points per game (10.4 above their season average).
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