NBA Basketball
2012-04-13 - Washington Wizards at New York Knicks
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Friday 13 April 2012 - Tip Off 7:30pm ET
12:30am (British Standard Time)
Preview
The New York Knicks (30-28) won an absolutely vital game at the Milwaukee Bucks a couple of days ago to move 2 games head of them in the race for the Play Offs. They cannot afford to relax as the season winds down and cannot afford a let down moment as the host the Washington Wizards (14-44) on Friday night.
With 8 games left to play this regular season, it is games like this that the Knicks have to have, especially considering they are playing the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics after this one. If they lose tonight, they are once again giving the Milwaukee Bucks the belief that they can sneak into the the post-season.
The Knicks have now improved to 12-4 under the guidance of Mike Woodson, and they continue overcoming the loss of Jeremy Lin and Amare Stoudemire through stellar play from Carmelo Anthony. The star player for the Knicks is now averaging 30 points per game over his last 9 contests and continues leading the team despite having a couple of injury niggles.
It won't be an easy game against the suddenly motivated Washington Wizards who have won 2 games in a row, holding opponents to 85 points in each of those games, after losing 5 straight with each opponent scoring at least 99 points per game.
The Wizards have the chance to go on their first 3 game winning streak for over a year and they will look for Kevin Seraphin to continue his hot form since he replaced Trevor Brooker in the starting line up. Seraphin is averaging 16.3 points and 7.9 rebounds over the last 7 games for Washington.
Head to Head
New York have beaten Washington in both of their season meetings so far, both in the nation's Capital, although they did split the games 1-1 against the spread.
The Knicks have won the last 7 home games they have played against Washington, averaging over 114 points per game in that run.
They are 7-1 against the spread in the last 8 games in the series, including winning the last 4 at home.
New York are 18-11 against the spread at home this season, Washington are 13-16 on the road.
New York are 16-15 against the spread as the favourite, Washington are 20-28-1 as the underdog.
Other Interesting Trends
New York have won the last 5 games against the spread when playing a team with a losing record on the road.
Washington are 17-46 in their last 63 games against the spread following a straight up win.
They are 6-15 against the spread in their last 21 games against a team that has won at least 60% of their home games.
Prediction
I am going to back the New York Knicks to win this game and cover the spread for the following reasons:
First, the Knicks have dominated the recent home games against Washington, winning the last 4 by double-digits.
Second, usually I would consider this the ultimate let down spot as the Knicks faced Milwaukee and next face Miami, but I think this game is more important to them than the one on Sunday as they cannot afford to lose games which they are expected to win at this stage of the season.
Third, Washington have played well in their last 2 games, but they were really struggling defensively before that, giving up at least 99 points in 5 straight losses.
The Pick :
New York Knicks 114-98 Washington Wizards
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back the New York Knicks - 10.5 Points @ 1.95
