The New York Knicks (17-41) will attempt to put an end to their five-game losing streak when they challenge the Philadelphia 76ers (36-23) at Wells Fargo Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 27, 2020.
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Free Prediction
In the Knicks’ last contest, they were topped by the Charlotte Hornets, 107-101, but they were able to cover as 13.5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (208) came in well under the O/U total of 227. One of Charlotte’s biggest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They made 25 trips to the line, while New York went 17 times. Mitchell Robinson played well for New York, finishing with 12 points and 16 rebounds.
The 76ers lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in their last contest, 108-94. They were not able to cover as 8.5-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (202) were well under the projected point total of 226.5. One of Cleveland’s biggest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 15-17 (88.2 percent), while the 76ers were just 9-14 (64.3 percent). Shake Milton had a solid performance for Philadelphia, leading the team in scoring with 20 points on 8-for-14 shooting.
When considering effective field goal percentage, Philadelphia should have a significant edge. The 76ers defense ranks ninth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.515), while the New York offense is ranked 28th in effective field goal percentage (0.495). Also, the Knicks, who rank first in offensive rebounding percentage (25.4 percent), will face a tough challenge against the 76ers, who rank second in defensive rebounding percentage (80.3 percent).
New York heads into the contest with records of 17-41 straight up (SU) and 29-26-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to set the total high when the Knicks are playing, as 33 of their 57 games have ended under the projected point total.
Philadelphia is 36-23 SU, but they have trouble covering the spread (25-29-4 ATS). Contrary to New York, just over half of 76ers games have finished over the O/U total.
The 76ers have won all three games against the Knicks this season, including a close 90-87 victory in their last matchup. Philadelphia was unable to cover as a 4.5-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 177 points, which was 41.5 points below the projected point total of 218.5 points. Philadelphia’s free throw rate was their largest strength over New York. The 76ers had a rate of 0.154, while the Knicks posted a mark of 0.125. In the victory, Ben Simmons led all scorers with 21 points.
Knicks at 76ers Pick
Free Prediction: ATS Winner – Knicks, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
New York is 16-12-1 ATS on the road with 15 unders and 14 overs.
At home, Philadelphia is 16-10-3 ATS with 15 overs, 13 unders and 1 push.
New York is 7-3 when they allow below 100 points, while Philadelphia is 14-1.
The 76ers are 32-10 when they score above 100 points, while the Knicks are 14-25.
New York ranks first in second chance points per game (15.1) while Philadelphia ranks 22nd (12.4).
The 76ers rank ninth in fast break points per game (14.4) while the Knicks rank 29th (9.7).
Philadelphia ranks first in three pointers allowed per game (29.0) while New York ranks 20th (34.5).
The 76ers rank ninth in assists per game (25.7) while the Knicks rank 28th (21.6).
Philadelphia ranks second in blocks allowed per game (3.8) while New York ranks 18th (5.1).
The 76ers rank third in rebounds allowed per game (42.4) while the Knicks rank 13th (44.9).
New York ranks fourth in points allowed in the paint per game (43.8) while Philadelphia ranks 12th (47.3).
The 76ers average 16.4 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 19th in the league. The Knicks rank 22nd in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.5).
Philadelphia ranks eighth in steals per game (8.3) while New York ranks 10th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
In its last five games, New York is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Philadelphia is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over its last five games.
The Knicks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 9.6, up from 7.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the 76ers have scored an average of 108.6 points per game (0.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 109.2 points per game (2.7 above their season average).