This is the first total to be under 200 for a Knicks game in 30 games, and it sets up a solid play on the Over. Look for points Wednesday when New York hosts Washington.
For the first time in 30 games we find a total on the New York Knicks that is under 200. Oddsmakers tend to react when a team goes under the total seven straight times like the Knicks have. But oddsmakers have been slow to catch on to what opponents of the Knicks now realize – that New York's offense is just one-dimensional. The Knicks can only play a run-and-gun style. Talented defenses can stop an offense that lacks options.
In this matchup, though, the oddsmaker has overcompensated too much setting up an over the total play.
New York is going to gets their points. The Knicks are averaging 102.8 points, sixth-highest in the NBA. Washington ranks 27th in defensive field goal percentage, allowing foes to connect on 47.5 percent of their shots. The Knicks have averaged 118 points in their two games this season versus Washington. The last five games in the series have gone Over.
The Wizards are going to get their share of points, too. They are averaging 112.5 points against the Knicks this season. New York ranks 28th in scoring defense, yielding 106.3 points per game. The Knicks' defensive field goal percentage is even more generous than Washington's. The Knicks rank 29th in the category, allowing foes to make 47.7 percent of their shots from the floor.
The Wizards have two top scoring threats, Caron Butler and Antwan Jamison. Injuries have opened the door for a pair of young guards, Nick Young and Javaris Crittenton. They've been playing well lately with Young shooting close to 70 percent from the field in his last three games. Both could have strong games against the Knicks' loose defense.
If the total doesn't go higher than the opening number, it would be the lowest Over/Under the Knicks have had all season. The oddsmaker has overreacted setting this total too low and making me involved for a one-unit play.
Free Pick: Wizards-Knicks Over 197½ (-110)