The Phoenix Suns (17-31) take on the New York Knicks (21-28) at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The game will air on MSG Network at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, January 26, 2018.
New York Knicks vs. Phoenix Suns ATS Prediction
The Knicks are hoping for a better outcome after their 130-118 loss to the Denver Nuggets in their last contest. Denver’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over New York. The Nuggets had a rate of 0.688 (above their season average of 0.521), while the Knicks posted a mark of 0.598. New York’s Trey Burke put together a solid game, finishing with 18 points and 11 assists.
The last time the Suns played, they lost to the Indiana Pacers, 116-101. Indiana’s 0.619 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Phoenix, who had a mark of 0.470. The Pacers’ mark was above their season average of 0.531, while the Suns’ was below the 0.530 mark opponents have averaged against Indiana this season. With 16 points and 17 rebounds, Greg Monroe had a good game for Phoenix.
Contrasting paces will be on display in this meeting. Phoenix likes to play quickly (fourth in possessions per game), while New York likes to grind-it-out (16th in possessions per game).
New York heads into the game with records of 21-28 straight up (SU) and 25-23 against the spread (ATS). Of the Knicks’ 48 games with betting action, 21 have finished under, 26 have finished over and one has pushed.
Meanwhile, Phoenix owns records of 17-31 SU and 23-23-2 ATS. Suns games have no tendency in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Michael Beasley has averaged 17.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks over the last five games for New York.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Kristaps Porzingis scored a game-high 37 points in the first game, in which the Knicks defeated the Suns 120-107, covering as 5-point favorites. He also recorded seven rebounds. The game finished with a total of 227 points, which was 5.5 points above the projected point total of 221.5 points. New York had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.563 vs. 0.397). Phoenix, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (8.1 vs. 10.9).
New York Knicks vs. Phoenix Suns Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Knicks, ATS Winner – Knicks, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, New York is 10-14 ATS with 14 overs, 9 unders and 1 push.
At home, Phoenix is 9-14-1 ATS with 13 unders, 10 overs and 1 push.
When holding opponents below 100 points, Phoenix is 5-2 and New York is 9-1.
The Suns are 13-19 when they reach 100 points, while the Knicks are 20-16.
Phoenix ranks fifth in fast break points per game (14.1) while New York ranks 29th (7.2).
The Knicks rank fifth in points allowed in the paint per game (41.9) while the Suns rank 28th (47.6).
New York ranks fifth in rebounds allowed per game (41.6) while Phoenix ranks 25th (44.7).
The Knicks rank fourth in blocks per game (5.3) while the Suns rank 22nd in blocks allowed per game (5.3).
New York ranks sixth in second chance points per game (13.7) while Phoenix ranks 23rd in second chance points allowed per game (13.3).
The Suns rank 11th in three pointers allowed per game (27.8) while the Knicks rank 26th (31.0).
New York ranks 22nd in steals allowed per game (8.3) while Phoenix ranks 28th (8.9).
The Knicks average 15.4 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 23rd in the NBA. The Suns rank 27th in points off turnovers allowed per game (19.1).
New York averages 23.2 assists per game, which ranks 10th in the league. Phoenix ranks 12th in assists allowed per game (22.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, New York is 3-2 ATS with 5 overs.
Phoenix is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Knicks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 9.4, up from 1.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 104.4 points per game (1.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 112.6 points per game (0.4 above their season average).
