Brooklyn Nets vs New York Knicks Predictions, Odds & Picks

• Due to some controversy, the Nets will likely be without Kyrie Irving in this New York matchup.
• The New York Knicks are trying to break their three-game losing streak.
• Over 109 regular-season games, the Knicks lead the Nets 101 to 98.

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Nets vs Knicks Predictions and Picks

The Brooklyn Nets may be undermanned, but they still have the edge in talent over the New York Knicks. The Knicks’ lack of shot creation is a burden that will keep them from keeping up with Brooklyn’s scoring output.

Picks:

Brooklyn Nets to Win (-210)

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Head-to-Head: Nets vs Knicks

Who Can Step Up in the Absence of Brooklyn’s Playmakers?

Spencer Dinwiddie is out for the long term while the NBA is investigating Kyrie Irving for his apparent excursions that break COVID protocol. That leaves the Brooklyn Nets with just one active point guard and a number of combo guards willing to fill the gap.

The first chance will likely go to Bruce Brown, the third-year point guard out of Miami (Florida). He was a solid distributor for the Pistons last season and will likely relish the opportunity under Nash. A shout also goes to veteran Tyler Johnson who has never really lived up to his contract. All things considered, it is likely that Nash could go without a point guard to lead his team, and continue to rely on Caris LeVert as the primary playmaker for his second unit.

Despite moving forward without a traditional point guard, the Nets are unlikely to struggle more than they already have. Irving has already missed four of the Nets’ 11 games this season and they still sit at 5-6. Ensuring that they maintain their scoring threat will be priority number one.

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The Knicks’ Defensive Issues Start on the Glass

The New York Knicks have looked like a transformed team this season, at least in comparison to their struggles from last year. Despite their modicum of success, they’ve struggled to control the glass in their last three games.

In their last three matches, all losses, the New York Knicks have been outrebounded 47.3 to 44.7. A puzzling stat, considering the Knicks are outrebounding their opponents on the offensive glass by four rebounds per game. The lack of effort by the Knicks is quite apparent.

Against two formidable big men in DeAndre Jordan and Jarrett Allen, the Knicks can’t afford to be complacent on the glass. Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson will have to prove their worth against a strong rebounding team.

Nets Key Player: (F) Joe Harris

The @BrooklynNets defeat PHI behind 28 PTS, 6 3PM from Joe Harris. pic.twitter.com/o9tLhrQYvS

— NBA (@NBA) January 8, 2021

Joe Harris always seems to be the forgotten man when the Brooklyn Nets take the floor. While he’s seen both the starting lineup and the bench, you can be certain that Harris will give you a more than passable line.

Harris is averaging 14.4 points on 51.7% from the field and 50.8% from three-point land – which is on 5.7 attempts per game. Harris may not be creating his own shot, but he’s thrived on the opportunities provided by Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

With Irving out, expect Harris to be more proactive in his scoring. Easily the Nets’ most dependable spot-up shooter, Harris has the capacity to fill up the stat sheet given the right number of chances.

Knicks Key Player: (G) RJ Barrett

Keeping Up With The Canadians ??

RJ Barrett | vs. @nyknicks

11 POINTS
9 REBOUNDS
5 ASSISTS pic.twitter.com/zxL4zJvJJq

— NBA Canada (@NBACanada) January 12, 2021

The third overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, RJ Barrett has some great expectations thrust upon him. While he failed to make the desired impact for the Knicks last season, he’s made great strides this year despite some worrying shooting.

Barrett is averaging 16.0 points per game and 7.6 rebounds per game, but that is on a dismal 36.5% shooting from the field and 18% shooting rate from three. While head coach Tom Thibodeau surely welcomes his aggressiveness, his lack of efficiency is concerning.

Against the Nets, Barrett will be faced with a number of capable defenders. With two dangerous shot-blockers roaming the paint, Barrett will have to be selective in his shots and drives in order to prevent wasted possessions.