The New York Knicks (11-30) take on the Phoenix Suns (16-24) at Madison Square Garden. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 16, 2020, and will air on Fox Sports – Arizona.
Phoenix Suns vs. New York Knicks Betting Prediction
In the Suns’ last matchup, they were 2-point favorites and lost to the Atlanta Hawks, 123-110. The game’s total points (233) finished just over the projected point total of 231.5. Atlanta’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Phoenix. The Hawks had a rate of 28.6 (above their season average of 20.5), while the Suns posted a mark of 22.7. Devin Booker was the game’s leading scorer with 39 points on 12-for-23 shooting.
The Knicks lost big to the Milwaukee Bucks in their last outing, 128-102. They were unable to cover as 16.5-point underdogs. The game’s total points (230) finished just under the O/U total of 231. Milwaukee’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over New York. The Bucks had a rate of 0.571 (above their season average of 0.554), while the Knicks posted a mark of 0.407 (below their season average of 0.494). New York’s Julius Randle had a good game, leading both teams in scoring with 25 points on 10-for-20 shooting.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Booker scored a game-high 38 points and the Suns beat the Knicks 120-112, covering as 7-point favorites. He also put up seven assists. The game finished with a total of 232 points, which was 8.5 points above the projected point total of 223.5 points. The Suns had a better turnover percentage (8.7 vs. 12.5) and had a better free throw rate (0.289 vs. 0.217).
Phoenix comes into the contest with records of 16-24 straight up (SU) and 20-19-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to set the total low when the Suns are involved, as 22 of their 40 contests have finished over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, New York is 11-30 SU and 19-21-1 ATS. Contrary to Phoenix, games featuring the Knicks have typically gone under the O/U total (56.1 percent).
The physical Phoenix offense could be getting to the foul line a lot in this matchup. The Suns currently rank fifth in the NBA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.217, while New York ranks 26th in FTA rate allowed (0.222).
Phoenix Suns at New York Knicks ATS Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Knicks, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
On the road, Phoenix is 10-7 ATS with 9 unders and 8 overs.
At home, New York is 8-10-1 ATS with 12 unders and 7 overs.
Phoenix is 4-2 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while New York is 3-1.
In games where they score more than 100 points, the Suns are 15-20 and the Knicks are 10-20.
Phoenix ranks second in assists per game (27.6) while New York ranks 29th (21.2).
The Suns rank seventh in three pointers allowed per game (32.1) while the Knicks rank 26th (35.4).
New York ranks fourth in second chance points per game (14.7) while Phoenix ranks 23rd (12.2).
The Knicks rank fourth in points allowed in the paint per game (43.3) while the Suns rank 22nd (49.7).
Phoenix ranks eighth in fast break points per game (14.6) while New York ranks 26th (10.3).
The Knicks rank second in steals allowed per game (6.7) while the Suns rank 15th (7.6).
Phoenix ranks third in points off turnovers per game (18.6) while New York ranks 15th (16.7).
The Knicks rank 22nd in blocks per game (4.5) while the Suns rank 29th (3.8).
New York ranks 10th in rebounds per game (46.1) while Phoenix ranks 11th in rebounds allowed per game (45.0).
Over its last five games, Phoenix is 0-5 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
New York is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Suns’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.8, up from 1.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Knicks have scored an average of 105.6 points per game (0.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 123.4 points per game (10.2 above their season average).
