The Phoenix Suns (13-21) welcome the New York Knicks (10-24) to Talking Stick Resort Arena as they attempt to snap their five-game home losing streak. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, January 3, 2020, and will air on Fox Sports – Arizona.
New York Knicks vs. Phoenix Suns Free Prediction
The Knicks come in on a high note after blowing out the Portland Trail Blazers in their last outing, 117-93, as 4-point underdogs. The game’s total points (210) were well under the projected point total of 225.5. The Knicks, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.489, had a great mark of 0.551 and had a turnover percentage of 6.3 (better than their season average of 12.4). New York was lifted by Julius Randle, who recorded 22 points and 13 rebounds.
The last time the Suns played, they were beaten by the Los Angeles Lakers, 117-107, but did cover as 11-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (224) finished just under the O/U total of 225.5. One of Los Angeles’ biggest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 34 free throw attempts, while Phoenix had 23. Phoenix’s Deandre Ayton finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds in the game.
After the Suns won both meetings against the Knicks last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, Phoenix won 107-96. Phoenix had a much better turnover percentage (12.5 vs. 19.3). New York, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (22.9 vs. 9.5).
New York heads into the contest with records of 10-24 straight up (SU) and 17-16-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to place the total high when the Knicks are involved, as 21 of their 34 games have gone under the total.
Although Phoenix has a hard time winning games outright (13-21 SU), they have a solid 19-14-1 record ATS. Unlike New York, Suns games tend to finish over the total (58.8 percent).
The prolific offense of Phoenix (ninth in the league with an offensive efficiency of 108.8) will face off against the mid-tier defense of New York (23rd in the NBA with a defensive efficiency of 110.3). The Suns figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball.
New York Knicks vs. Phoenix Suns Free Pick
NBA Pick: ATS Winner – Knicks, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
New York is 10-7 ATS on the road with 9 unders and 8 overs.
At home, Phoenix is 9-8-1 ATS with 13 overs and 5 unders.
New York is 3-1 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Phoenix is 2-2.
The Knicks are 9-15 when they score above 100 points, while the Suns are 13-17.
Phoenix ranks first in assists per game (28.4) while New York ranks 28th (21.1).
The Knicks rank second in second chance points per game (14.9) while the Suns rank 25th (12.1).
Phoenix ranks fourth in three pointers allowed per game (31.5) while New York ranks 26th (35.4).
The Knicks rank second in points allowed in the paint per game (41.8) while the Suns rank 22nd (50.5).
Phoenix ranks 10th in fast break points per game (14.4) while New York ranks 27th (9.9).
The Suns rank fourth in points off turnovers per game (18.6) while the Knicks rank 19th (16.6).
New York ranks fourth in steals allowed per game (6.9) while Phoenix ranks 15th (7.8).
The Knicks rank 17th in blocks per game (4.8) while the Suns rank 28th (3.6).
New York ranks seventh in rebounds per game (46.5) while Phoenix ranks 12th in rebounds allowed per game (45.1).
In its last five contests, New York is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Phoenix is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Knicks have outscored opponents by an average of 3.2 points in their last five games. On the season, New York has lost by an average of 7.2 points.
During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 109.6 points per game (4.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 112.2 points per game (2.9 below their season average).
