Portland Trail Blazers (9-25) vs. New York Knicks (21-15)
Portland Trail Blazers vs. New York Knicks January 9, 2024 – As the NBA season heats up, the upcoming game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the New York Knicks is drawing attention for various reasons. Scheduled for Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at the iconic Madison Square Garden, this matchup is not just another game on the calendar. With the Trail Blazers struggling at a 9-25 record and the Knicks in a relatively solid position at 21-15, this game brings intrigue and speculation, making it a focal point for the best NBA prediction enthusiasts.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. New York Knicks January 9, 2024 Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Madison Square Garden, New York |
| TV: | MSG |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Anfernee Simons (SG) vs. Jalen Brunson (PG)
Anfernee Simons has stepped up in a big way for the Trail Blazers this season, averaging 24.5 points per game through 13 contests. The dynamic shooting guard is Portland’s main source of offense, but his high usage rate also leads to 2.3 turnovers per game. Simons’ scoring punch gives the Trail Blazers a fighter’s chance every night, but he’ll need to limit mistakes against the Knicks’ stingy defense.
Jalen Brunson has been everything the Knicks hoped for and more in his first season in New York, pouring in 25.8 points per game along with 6.3 assists. Brunson has given the Knicks the All-Star level point guard play they’ve desperately needed for years. His ability to create offense for himself and teammates makes everyone around him better. Brunson should be able to exploit Portland’s 26th ranked defense with his versatile scoring and playmaking.
This matchup of two talented young guards may well determine the outcome of the game. If Simons gets hot from three, he’s capable of single-handedly keeping the Trail Blazers in the game. But if Brunson is able to control the tempo and facilitate easy baskets, the Knicks will be tough to beat at home. The player who performs best could lead their team to victory on Tuesday night.
Struggling Trail Blazers Offense Searches for Answers
The Trail Blazers have struggled mightily on offense during their current 1-4 stretch, scoring just 102 points per game over that span. Portland shoots plenty of threes but makes only 35.4% of them, which could be problematic against a Knicks team that defends the arc well. Portland may need to pound the ball inside and establish some post offense, opening up the floor for shooters like Simons. The Trail Blazers need their role players to step up on the road to have a chance in this one.
Knicks’ Numbers Game
Conversely, the Knicks have fared much better statistically. Averaging 115.6 points per game while boasting a higher field goal percentage of 46.6% shows their improved scoring efficiency; their 3-point shooting percentage stands at 37.8% as well. Furthermore, they possess an even balance in terms of rebounds and assists which may give them an edge against Trail Blazers in this matchup.
NBA Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, but given the current standings and team performances, it’s likely the Knicks will be the favorites. The over/under will be a point of interest for bettors, considering the scoring patterns of both teams.
Portland Trail Blazers Betting Trends
Trail Blazers are 1-4 in their last 5 games.
Trail Blazers are 1-4 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Trail Blazers are 9-9 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Trail Blazers’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 7 of Trail Blazers’ 16 last games at home.
New York Knicks Betting Trends
Knicks are 3-2 in their last 5 games.
Knicks are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Knicks are 11-10 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 1 of Knicks’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 6 of Knicks’ 14 last games at home.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. New York Knicks Betting Picks
Considering the current form and statistics, the Knicks appear to be the safer bet. They have shown more consistency and efficiency, both in scoring and defense. Prop bets might favor individual performances, especially from key players like Brunson. For the over/under, considering the Knicks’ recent trend towards lower-scoring games and the Trail Blazers’ struggle to score, betting under might be a wise choice.
In terms of online sportsbook betting, while the Knicks seem like the better pick, the unpredictable nature of the NBA means the Trail Blazers could surprise us, especially if Simons steps up his game significantly. However, based on current form and statistics, the Knicks would be the recommended choice.
Receiving Yards Prop: Knicks 110, Trail Blazers 98.
