Long-Time Rivals Square Off at MSG
The Brooklyn Nets try to move up, in the Eastern Conference standings when they visit the New York Knicks for a clash of Atlantic Division rivals on Wednesday night. Brooklyn is currently eighth in the East and is locked into the play-in tournament, but it would like to get a home game by catching the Cleveland Cavaliers, who sit 1½ games ahead. New York is finishing up a disappointing season but would like nothing more than to pin a loss on its rival. This should be a close contest, but before you make a bet online on the game, check out our in-depth preview.
Let’s check the latest NBA picks, stats, injury reports, and NBA odds for Nets vs Knicks. We’ve plenty of NBA predictions.
Can Nets Put It Together For Playoff Run?
The Brooklyn Nets have been dealing with changes in their lineup for much of the season, but they’re hoping to head into the postseason with some consistency in their rotation. It certainly helps to have two of the more dynamic offensive players in the league like forward Kevin Durant and guard Kyrie Irving.
Irving’s brilliance was on display on Tuesday night in a win over the Houston Rockets, as he scored 42 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter. Irving is averaging 27.1 points per game in 25 appearances this season.
“Kyrie was huge for us tonight. If we didn’t have him, I don’t think we win this game,” Nets forward Bruce Brown said after Tuesday’s win. “He did everything for us. He brought energy. Everything he did for us was huge.”
Having Durant in the fold is also a positive as well. The All-Star had just 18 points in Tuesday’s win but he’s averaging 30.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per contest this season. He’s upped his scoring to 32.4 points over the last 10 games as he gears up for the postseason.
One question mark for the Nets right now is the health of guard Seth Curry, who has been the team’s third-leading scorer at 15.1 points per game since coming to Brooklyn in the James Harden deal. Curry hasn’t played since Thursday due to an ankle injury that has him listed as day-to-day right now.
Knicks Would Like A Late-Season Victory
The New York Knicks had high hopes for this season, but the team couldn’t match the success of their playoff campaign of 2020-21. New York would certainly love to hand their cross-town rivals a loss in this one – expect an inspired effort.
Forward Julius Randle has had another outstanding season, leading the Knicks with 20.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. A big problem for him has been turnovers, as he’s averaging 3.4 per contest.
Guard RJ Barrett continues to emerge as a solid scorer as well, averaging 20.1 points per game. Barrett is coming off a 27-point, five-rebound, six-assist effort in the Knicks’ win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday.
By contrast, guard Evan Fournier had just two points in the win over Orlando. He’s averaging 14.2 points this season, so he’ll be looking for a bounce-back performance in this one.
Brooklyn Nets vs New York Knicks Head-to-Head
The Brooklyn Nets have taken each of the first three meetings between these teams this season, though none have been easy. The Nets’ five-point win over the New York Knicks when they last played in Madison Square Garden was the largest margin of victory in the three contests.
Overall, the Nets have a six-game winning streak against the Knicks, having swept the teams’ three meetings a season ago. That domination and the Nets’ motivation to get wins before the playoffs have the NBA lines favoring them in this one.
Brooklyn Nets vs New York Knicks Game Information
- Game: Nets (41-38) vs Knicks (35-44)
- Location: Madison Square Garden
- Day/Time: Wednesday, April 6th, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Nets vs Knicks live stream: NBA Game Pass
Brooklyn Nets vs New York Knicks Betting Lines
Brooklyn Nets vs New York Knicks Prediction
The Brooklyn Nets have more motivation to get a win in this one, as the New York Knicks are just playing out the final week of the regular season. Look for Irving and Durant to have big games and Brooklyn to complete the season series sweep with a victory.
When doing your NBA betting, take Brooklyn to win and cover on the road.
Pick: Brooklyn Nets -5 (-110)
