Knicks vs Lakers picks, 3/6

A six-game slate in the NBA on Thursday night is headlined by a double-header on TNT that wraps up with the Los Angeles Lakers hosting New York Knicks at Crypto.com Arena. Even though neither team is leading its respective conference right now, this is a huge showdown between two of the most famous franchises in sports and certainly a potential NBA Finals preview. A red-hot Los Angeles squad has won seven games in a row and 13 of its last 15 overall, giving it a 39-21 record. New York comes in at 40-21 after seeing a three-game winning streak snapped by the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. 

With tip-off set for 10:00 PM ET on TNT, it’s time to take a look at the odds and the Knicks vs Lakers best bets to make. 

Predictions 

Pick #1: Los Angeles Lakers -4 over New York Knicks (-110) 

Pick #2: Under 231.5 (-110) 

Pick #3: Dalton Knecht Over 6.5 points (-130) 

PICK #1: Lakers -4 over Knicks (-110) 

This is without question a difficult situational spot for the Knicks, and not just because the Lakers are on fire. New York just endured a tough physical test in a home loss to Golden State and is now making a long cross-country trip to Los Angeles. The Lakers, on the other hand, are playing their sixth and final contest of an extended home-stand. In fact, they have not played a road game since February. To say that they are the more well-rested side in this matchup would be a gross understatement. 

There is also too much laundry on the Knicks’ infirmary report to like their chances on Thursday. Karl-Anthony Towns (personal), OG Anunoby (thumb), Mitchell Robinson (ankle) and Precious Achiuwa (hamstring) are all questionable. At least a couple of those guys will probably be able to suit up, but it remains to be seen what they can bring to the table. Meanwhile, the Lakers are quite simply a well-oiled machine at the moment. Luka Doncic has found the groove with his new team since being acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster transaction involving Anthony Davis. Doncic is averaging 29.5 points and 12.0 assists over the past two games. Count on Los Angeles winning and covering. 

PICK #2: Under 231.5 (-110) 

The Knicks and Lakers are among the slower teams in the NBA in pace of play. New York is 23rd in that department at 101.4 possessions per game, while Los Angeles is 25th at 101.2. Head coach JJ Redick’s squad has been playing even more methodically of late, ranking 27th at 98.1 possessions over the last three outings. New York, which may be dealing with both fatigue and an undermanned roster on Thursday, will almost definitely be content to slow things down to an even greater extent. The Lakers are playing incredible defense these days; they have allowed more than 102 points only once in their past eight contests. All things considered, the under looks like a great value bet. 

PICK #3: Dalton Knecht Over 6.5 points (-130)

After being dealt to the Charlotte Hornets prior to the deadline only to have the trade rescinded, Dalton Knecht understandably struggled upon his return to LA over the next couple of weeks. With that absolute circus seemingly a thing of the past now, the real Knecht is back on display. The rookie out of Tennessee has scored 19 and 13 points in the last two contests, ending a stretch of six straight games in single-digits in which he averaged an anemic 3.3 points. In the last two outings, Knecht is 12-for-19 from the floor and seven-for-14 from three-point range. The 17th overall pick did not do much in his previous matchup with New York, but he saw just 10 minutes of court time. He has logged a total of 51 minutes in the Lakers’ last two games.