Last year the New York Knicks were one of the NBA’s biggest surprises. Head coach Tom Thibodeau immediately impacted the Association’s most frustrating franchise. Defense was the foundation of those NBA bets profits. However, this year has been one of regression. At least for the first three months. But New York seems to be finding itself as the New Year begins. And again, it is the defense that has propelled that success. Most important of all, the Knicks are making money for gamblers after three months of red ink. Let’s examine the NBA’s hot and cold teams.
Hot – NBA New York Knicks
Late on, the Knicks have gotten the online wagering cash in five of their most recent six games. New York stands at 22-21 straight up, 21-22 against the spread, and 18-25 under the total. Overall, NBA rankings show the Knicks ranked 26th for scoring offense and 6th for points allowed.
First among the Knicks is Julius Randle, with 19.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per contest. Randle was a 2021 NBA All-Star and the NBA’s most improved player. Randle powered to 12 rebounds in three of his last four outings. Also contributing is RJ Barrett, with 16.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest. Barret scored 26 or more points in his most recent three games.
This week the Knicks have four games on the schedule. Monday is a home game against Charlotte at 1 p.m. ET on NBA TV. And then Tuesday is a home game against Minnesota at 7:30 p.m. ET with coverage on NBA TV. Thursday brings a home game against New Orleans at 7:30 p.m. ET. Finally, the Knicks host the LA Clippers Sunday at noon ET.
Not – Washington Wizards
Of major concern is how the Wizards have failed to cover six consecutive games on the board. And six of their last eight games went over the total. Washington is 22-21 straight up, 18-24-1 against the spread, and 23-19 over the total. Overall, the Wizards rank 17th in the NBA for scoring offense and 20th for points allowed.
Bradly Beal is the top Wizard with 24.0 points and 6.4 rebounds per contest. However, Beal is out indefinitely with the NBA pandemic protocol. He scored at least 20 points in the nine games before he was sidelined.
At the beginning of the week is a Monday home game with Philadelphia at 2 p.m. ET. Following that is a Wednesday home game against Brooklyn at 7 p.m. ET. On Friday, the Wizards host Toronto at 8 p.m. ET with coverage on ESPN. Sunday brings a home game against Boston at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Not – Atlanta Hawks
In a similar way to the Knicks, the Atlanta Hawks were one of the bright surprises of the 2020-21 campaign. Atlanta made the Eastern Conference finals in the 2021 NBA Playoffs. However, there seems to be a hangover effect with NBA Bets this year. Atlanta hasn’t seen the payout window in its last six games. Also, the Hawks are 7-3 over the total in their most recent ten outings. The big problem is a defense ranked 25th in the Association for points allowed. Another issue is Clint Capela being out of the lineup since January 7 with an ankle issue.
On Monday, the Hawks host Milwaukee at 6 p.m. ET on TNT. Following that is a Wednesday home game against Minnesota at 7:30 p.m. ET. Friday brings Miami to town with a 7:30 p.m. ET tipoff. And then, on Sunday, the Hawks are at Charlotte with a 7 p.m. ET tip.