The Nets haven’t won a game. The Knicks haven’t exactly been setting the league on fire either.
But there’s a difference between a team that’s struggling to finish games and one that keeps getting beaten because it can’t defend anybody.
Brooklyn is allowing more than 120 points a night. That’s a lot of points to give up when you’re trying to get your first win.
The Nets visit Madison Square Garden on Monday, November 2, with tipoff at 7:30 PM ET. Brooklyn plays Indiana on Sunday before making the short trip back to New York, so this will be the second night of a back-to-back. The Knicks have had the weekend off. I’m taking New York to win, and I like the Under if the total is high enough. Get ready for all the NBA action with our free NBA picks.
Brooklyn Nets Still Haven’t Figured Out How to Win
Brooklyn enters Sunday’s game at Indiana with an 0-5 record, including 0-2 on the road. The Nets have lost to Charlotte, Cleveland, Indiana, Boston and Detroit. The loss to Boston was close, 125-124, but the other games haven’t given Brooklyn much reason to celebrate. Friday’s 110-94 defeat against Detroit was another rough night offensively.
The Nets are averaging 110.2 points and allowing 121.2. That’s an 11-point difference every game. They’re shooting around 42 percent from the floor, and they’ve been turning the ball over too often. That’s a problem against New York, which has been much better defensively. Brooklyn can score when the outside shots are falling, but the Nets haven’t been consistent enough to make me trust them against a team with more size and experience.
Julius Randle is averaging about 21 points and nearly eight rebounds, while Michael Porter Jr. is scoring around 21 a game. Those are the players who can keep Brooklyn competitive. Porter is especially dangerous when he gets clean looks from three. But Egor Demin is out with a leg injury, and Brooklyn’s guard depth has been a concern. The Nets need better ballhandling and fewer empty possessions. That’s a tough thing to fix overnight, especially with a game Sunday before this matchup.
New York Knicks Have the Better Defense
New York is 2-4, including 1-2 at home. The Knicks beat Detroit 111-97 and Chicago 133-127, then lost 98-93 to Philadelphia on Friday. That loss wasn’t pretty, but holding the 76ers under 100 points tells you the defense is capable of doing its job. The offense just didn’t give New York enough help.
The Knicks are averaging 107 points and allowing 107.7. That’s a much better defensive number than Brooklyn’s 121.2 allowed. New York has also been rebounding well, grabbing close to 48 boards per game. That’s where I think the Knicks have an advantage. Brooklyn has been struggling to finish possessions, and New York has the size to control the glass and limit second chances.
Jalen Brunson is averaging about 25.5 points, and he’s the player I trust most in this game. When the offense gets stuck, he can create a good shot without needing somebody else to set him up. Karl-Anthony Towns has been collecting more than 13 rebounds a game, giving New York a major advantage inside. Jose Alvarado is out with an ankle injury, but the Knicks have most of their main rotation available. That’s another edge against a Brooklyn team playing on consecutive nights.
Brooklyn Nets vs New York Knicks Picks and Prediction
New York Knicks Moneyline
I’m taking the Knicks. I know they’re only 2-4, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they make this closer than it should be. New York’s offense has been inconsistent. But Brooklyn is winless, allows more than 120 points a game and has to play Sunday before coming into Madison Square Garden. The Knicks have the better defense, the stronger rebounding numbers and Brunson to handle the late possessions. That’s enough for me. Give me New York to win comfortably.
Under 224.5 Points — Target Total
I’ll look Under 224.5 if that’s the number available. New York is averaging only 107 points, and the Knicks have been keeping opponents around that same number. Brooklyn can score when it gets hot from outside, but the Nets managed just 94 against Detroit Friday. The danger is New York taking advantage of Brooklyn’s defense and scoring 125 by itself. That could happen. But I think the Knicks will control the pace and make Brooklyn work in the half court. Something around New York 115-103 sounds right.
Final Picks: New York Knicks Moneyline and Under 224.5 Points (target total)
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