The New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns clash on Friday night matchup in the desert at the Footprint Center. The Suns are looking to stay on track despite the absence of Chris Paul and Devin Booker.
They were fine without Paul and Booker against the Portland Trail Blazers. It wasn’t a contest from the opening tip-off. The Suns pulled away for a 120-90 win in an easy cover at home.
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? @AZSports | @az_mejor pic.twitter.com/J9DkiwkBd0— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 4, 2022
As good as Paul and Booker are for the Suns, they aren’t the only talent in Phoenix. That’s a huge misconception regarding the Suns. Paul and Booker get the spotlight, but this is a well-built Suns team.
They have depth and don’t have to rely on them exclusively. Some teams would fall and crumble without their two starting guards in the backcourt, but the Suns can soften the blow with their depth.
Phoenix was on an eight-game winning streak before a 117-102 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on February 25. Then they had a 118-114 loss to the Utah Jazz on Sunday.
Monty Williams has done a great job with the Suns. He gets them ready to play, and they do the fundamentals beautifully. It was a nice response for the Suns in a blowout over the Blazers.
When the Suns are doing that, they can still win games regardless of injuries. Deandre Ayton missed some time, and they still won.
With Ayton healthy now and Paul and Booker out, the responsibility falls on Ayton to be the focal point, and he’s capable of that role.
Regroup and get ready for Phoenix. pic.twitter.com/14XzeNIgXj
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 3, 2022
Ayton and the Suns take on a Knicks team on a six-game losing streak. The Knicks are a complete mess and all of their process from last year is in the sewer.
They are coming off another bad loss, this time a 123-108 loss at Philadelphia. The 76ers are a good team, though the Knicks were expected to compete with top-tier opponents in 2021-22.
Head below for our free Knicks vs. Suns prediction on March 4, 2022.
New York Knicks vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Odds and Team Statistics:
The following odds are courtesy of BetOnline:
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| NY Knicks | +6.5 (-115) | +220 | Over 223 (-110) |
| Phoenix Suns | -6.5 (-105) | -260 | Under 223 (-110) |
| Team Data | NY Knicks | Phoenix Suns |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 25-37 | 50-12 |
| ATS Record | 26-36-0 | 34-28-0 |
| Away/Home Record | 12-18 | 27-7 |
| ATS Away/Home | 13-17-0 | 16-18-0 |
| Points Per Game | 105.1 | 113.7 |
| Points Against Per Game | 107.3 | 105.6 |
| Field Goal % | 43.4 | 48.2 |
| Three Point % | 35.1 | 36.1 |
Knicks vs. Suns Prediction:
The Knicks had one of the finest defenses in the NBA last year. While they are still good, the elite touch has been missing.
With a lack of offensive consistency, the Knicks need their defense to be a top-3 unit to be a competitive team. However, the Knicks are the eighth-best team in the league with 107.3 points per game.
That sounds more than fine, and this is fine production, but not when the offense can’t score much. This is what concerns me about the Knicks on Friday night.
Chris Paul and Devin Booker might be inactive, but the Suns still have a tough defense to navigate past. They are without talent as well, with Derrick Rose and Kemba Walker both absent.
Knicks’ center Nerlens Noel is questionable to play tonight with plantar fasciitis. Even if Noel were to play, he’s not close to 100%. Deandre Ayton should have a night in this one.
New York Knicks vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Trends:
- 1-7 ATS in their previous eight games on the road
- 1-10 ATS in their previous 11 games
- 0-5 ATS in their previous five games after a loss
- 1-7 ATS their previous eight games versus a team with a winning percentage better than 60%
- 1-6 ATS in their previous seven games versus a team with a winning record at home
- 17-3 overall in their previous 20 games
- 10-2 overall in their previous 12 games at home
- 7-2 ATS in their previous nine games versus the Atlantic Division
- 4-1 ATS in their previous versus the Knicks at home
- OVER is 6-1 in their previous seven games versus the Eastern Conference
The Suns are fourth in the NBA with 113.7 points per game and a 48.2% field goal percentage. They can withstand the blow of missing Paul and Booker against a team like the Knicks.
Cameron Payne made his return at the perfect time, and this is a good opportunity for him to step up. It’s a big chance for Payne, as he looks to improve on 10.3 points per game and 40.1% shooting.
This one will be decided in the frontcourt for the Suns. Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, and Deandre Ayton all ate versus the Blazers with at least 15 points. Expect more of the same versus the Knicks on the interior.
In my view, the market has over-adjusted to the absence of Paul and Booker. The Suns should probably be 7.5 or 8-point favorites in this one. At 6.5 points, the Suns have to be considered at home tonight.
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