The New York Knicks aim to extend their winning streak to five games as they face the Portland Trail Blazers tonight at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks have made a remarkable turnaround after struggling at the start of the month, winning four consecutive games and allowing an average of just 88.5 points during that stretch. This strong defensive performance is a significant improvement from earlier in January, where the Knicks allowed opponents to score an average of 117.2 points across a tough 11-game stretch.
As the Knicks gear up to take on the Trail Blazers, they are expected to maintain their defensive intensity. Notably, three of their last four victories have seen opponents held under 100 points, showcasing a renewed commitment to defense. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers have encountered challenges of their own, struggling offensively and often falling below the 100-point mark in recent games. With Portland ranked near the bottom in offensive efficiency, this matchup looks set to challenge their scoring capabilities.
Given these trends, the under is predicted to hit again, with previous matchups showing the Knicks effectively preventing scoring runs. The Knicks are currently on a six-game streak of hitting the under, while the Blazers have achieved this in four of their last five games. This predictive trend, coupled with New York’s current form, presents an interesting betting landscape.
In addition to the under, other betting options include the Knicks covering the spread and Mikal Bridges exceeding his scoring average of 15.5 points. Bridges has recently demonstrated strong offensive play, including a notable 30-point performance against the Toronto Raptors.
As anticipation builds for the matchup, fans can tune in at 7:30 p.m. ET on BlazerVision and MSG Sportsnet. The Knicks, with their revitalized squad, are looking to continue their upward momentum and mark another victory in front of their home crowd. This game could be pivotal not only for the standings but also in solidifying the Knicks’ identity as a formidable defensive unit in the league.