Brooklyn Nets vs New York Knicks Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 28/01/2023, 07:47  by Joseph King | Modified on 28/01/2023 at 07:47 in NBA Predictions

A battle for New York is set to tip off at the Barclays Center when the Brooklyn Nets play host to the New York Knicks in this Saturday NBA matchup. The Nets have hit a bumpy run of form following their red hot streak after the appointment of Jacque Vaughn as the head coach. Two wins from the last eight games has the Nets down to fourth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 29 wins and 19 losses. They trail the first-place Celtics by five games in what is a tight battle amongst the top five seeds. Brooklyn’s last outing resulted in a disappointing 130-122 loss to the lowly Detroit Pistons who sit rock-bottom of the Eastern Conference. It’s now back-to-back losses for the Nets who have given up 130+ in both defeats. 

The New York Knicks come into this local rivalry on a two game winning streak after their thrilling 120-117 overtime victory against the top-seeded Boston Celtics. That victory was preceded by another heart-pumping two point 105-103 victory over the fifth seed Cleveland Cavaliers.The victories snapped a four game losing streak and should give the Knicks a boatload of confidence heading into this matchup. A win in this game would mean that New York will have recorded three straight victories over teams ranked directly above them in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks currently sit seventh in the playoff race with a record of 27 wins and 23 losses.

The main news for the Nets and the chief reason for their recent downturn in form has been down to the absence of superstar Kevin Durant. The 13-time all-star has missed the last eight games and it’s no coincidence that his Brooklyn Nets team have dropped six of those matchups without him on the court. Unfortunately for the hosts, KD is set to miss out again as the team doctors aim to have him back on the court in the next two weeks. In addition to Durant’s absence, TJ Warren and Ben Simmons are both listed as questionable for Brooklyn. The Knicks will only have to cope without the presence of big man Mitchell Robinson.