NBA Basketball
2013-02-06 - New York Knicks at Washington Wizards
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Wednesday 6 February 2013 - Tip Off 7pm
Midnight (British Time)
Preview
The Washington Wizards (12-35) don't have a great record this season straight up, but they have rarely been embarrassed and that is highlighted by their 28-17-2 record against the spread in games. However, they have to remove the memories of recent games with the New York Knicks (31-15) if they are to knock off one of the leading contenders in the Eastern Conference and one of the hottest teams.
Mike Woodson had set his Knicks a target of going into the All-Star break with a bunch of momentum behind them and had targeted a 9-2 record from the last 11 games. So far, they are 6-1 and well on course to achieve Woodson's aims, while one player looks to make a little bit of history.
That player is Tyson Chandler, the All-Star Center who is looking for his fourth straight game with at least 20 rebounds. By reaching three straight games with at least 20 boards, Chandler has already tied a franchise record, while he could become the first player to get four games in a row with that number for the first time in 10 years.
New York have been beating up on some of the weaker teams in the NBA and they are going to look at Washington's record and think there is a chance for more of the same, especially with their recent record against the Wizards.
However, it would be foolish to under-estimate a Wizards team that have won 6 of their last 7 home games, including wins against the likes of Miami, Oklahoma City and the LA Clippers in front of their own fans. John Wall is back playing at a high level and Washington will feel they can beat another of the top teams if they can get Jordan Crawford going too.
Crawford is the leading scorer for the season, but has averaged just 5.2 points per game in his last six games.
Head to Head
New York have won 10 in a row in the series and they have gone 9-1 against the spread in those games.
The Knicks beat Washington by 19 points at Madison Square Garden earlier this season, but that was a Wizards team that didn't have John Wall.
Prediction
This is a much tougher game than it would look on paper with the New York Knicks amongst the leading contenders in the Eastern Conference and Washington amongst the worst.
However, the Wizards have been playing well so don't be surprised if it is close for long stretches.
Regardless, I think the Knicks have a lot of momentum themselves and they will do just enough to cover the spread.
The Pick :
Washington Wizards 94-99 New York Knicks
