Denver (28-18) at NY Knicks (31-16)
- When: Jan 29 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, USA
- TV: ESPN
Game Preview
The New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets clash on Wednesday night in a battle between two teams with championship aspirations. The Knicks have been dominant at home, opening their five-game homestand with back-to-back explosive performances. Meanwhile, the Nuggets are struggling on the road, dropping consecutive games while showing major defensive lapses. With New York favored by 3 points and the total set at 240, let’s break down the best betting angles for this matchup.
New York Knicks Analysis
The Knicks are on fire offensively, scoring 143 points in each of their last two games. Their 143-106 rout of Memphis on Monday followed a 143-120 dismantling of Sacramento, marking the first time in nearly 60 years that New York has hit 140+ points in consecutive games.
Mikal Bridges led the charge with 28 points against the Grizzlies, as seven Knicks finished in double figures. New York’s defense was just as impressive, racking up 20 steals—one of the highest single-game totals by any team this season. Head coach Tom Thibodeau praised his squad’s defensive intensity, emphasizing their ability to generate stops while maintaining offensive efficiency.
New York is 6-6 against current playoff teams and will face a gauntlet of Western Conference contenders to close out its homestand, including the Lakers and Rockets. With their offense clicking and their defense creating turnovers, the Knicks are in a strong position to cover the short spread at home.
Denver Nuggets Analysis
Denver’s road trip hasn’t been nearly as smooth. The Nuggets have dropped back-to-back games, allowing a staggering 262 combined points to Chicago and Minnesota. Defensive lapses cost them a 10-point second-half lead against the Bulls on Monday, where they surrendered 34 points in the fourth quarter alone.
Despite Nikola Jokic’s historic performance—posting a 33-point triple-double while going a perfect 10-for-10 in the first half—the Nuggets couldn’t stop Chicago’s relentless attack. Head coach Michael Malone called out his team’s defensive effort, frustrated with their inability to contain penetration or contest shots beyond the arc.
Denver hasn’t lost three straight since last February, but their defensive woes and road struggles make them vulnerable against a Knicks team that is executing at a high level on both ends of the floor.
Key Matchups & Betting Trends
Knicks’ Red-Hot Offense vs. Nuggets’ Defensive Struggles: New York is coming off two massive offensive performances, while Denver has allowed an alarming number of points in its last two games.
Jokic’s Impact: Jokic remains dominant, but will he get enough support? The Nuggets’ role players must step up against New York’s aggressive defense.
Turnovers & Transition Points: The Knicks forced 20 steals in their last game, which could spell trouble for a Denver team that has been careless with the ball.
Betting Predictions
New York’s current form gives them the edge in this matchup. Their offense is firing on all cylinders, and their defensive activity has been a game-changer. Meanwhile, Denver’s inability to get stops on the road is a major concern. Expect the Knicks to control the pace and extend Denver’s losing streak.
Best Bets:
New York -3.0 (The Knicks’ momentum and home-court advantage should be enough to secure the win.)
Over 240.0 (Both teams have been involved in high-scoring games, and neither defense is locking down opponents right now.)
Final Score Prediction: New York 125, Denver 118
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
