NBA Betting - Knicks host 76ers
by Dave D
Two teams in the Eastern Conference netherworld will trade stories of misery on Friday night, as the Philadelphia 76ers visit the Big Apple to take on the New York Knicks.
Philadelphia 76ers @ New York Knicks
Friday, March 19th – 7:35 PM ET
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Broadcast: MSG
: Knicks -3.5
The Week That Was: 76ers
Coach Eddie Jordan’s club isn’t as bad as the New Jersey Nets, but it’s plenty horrible. Thanks to the Nets, though, the Sixers didn’t have a winless week.
On Friday, March 12, Philly trailed Cleveland for much of the evening before rallying to take an 85-80 lead early in the fourth period. However, the Cavaliers made a counter move and fought back to claim a 100-95 win over the Sixers. LeBron James scored 23 points, handed out 10 assists, and snared six rebounds to pace the Eastern Conference leaders.
On Sunday, March 14, the Sixers got over 40 points from their bench, but not enough production from their starting five, as they fell at Miami, 104-91. Philadelphia allowed the Heat to shoot a sizzling 49 percent from the field.
On Monday, March 15, the 76ers suffered one of their worst losses of the season against the New York Knicks. Philly dropped a 94-84 decision, as Eddie Jordan’s roster scored only 29 second-half points after posting 55 points before halftime.
On Wednesday, March 17, Philly received a get-well tonic called the Nets. The 76ers jolted New Jersey, 108-97, thanks to 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting from guard Jrue Holiday.
The Week That Was: Knicks
On Friday, March 12, the Knicks fell behind by 29 points in the third quarter before staging a bold rally against the Memphis Grizzlies. Unfortunately, the surge was too little and too late. The Grizzlies – whose lead had been reduced to five points in the final minute – held on for a 119-112 win.
On Saturday, March 13, the NBA witnessed one of the most surprising games of its season, as the same Knicks team that lost by 50 points to Dallas on Jan. 24 went into the Lone Star State and mashed the Mavericks by a 128-94 count. Three Knicks scored at least 21 points, while big man David Lee tallied 15 points and 14 boards in the 34-point blowout.
On Monday, March 15, the Knicks won again, this time in Philadelphia. New York topped the 76ers, 94-84, by allowing just 29 points in the second half. New York also held Philly to 38 percent shooting and just six 3-pointers in 25 tries.
On Wednesday, March 17, New York lost at Boston, 109-97, in a game the Celtics led by 21 points after three quarters. Lee scored 29 to lead the Knicks.
Outlook & Pick
Both of these teams are going nowhere, but at least the Knicks have shown a pulse over the past week thanks to the hungry play of rookie guard Toney Douglas. The Florida State grad plays inspired defense and has made himself valuable in many different ways. Players like Douglas should give the home standing Knicks an extra mental edge against the sluggish and unimposing Sixers.
