New York Knicks vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 31/12/2023, 17:23  by Joseph King | Modified on 31/12/2023 at 17:33 in NBA Predictions

The New York Knicks will host the Western Conference leading Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden for this NBA matchup on New Year’s Day. The Knicks were involved in the second significant trade of the season which saw the Knicks ship RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley up north for Toronto’s OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn. The three could be in line for the debut with their new team as fans will be clamoring to see their new-look squad. The Knicks likely had to change something if they want to seriously compete this season. Three straight defeats following a 140-126 loss to the Pacers have dropped the team to eighth in the East standings. While fans will be disappointed to see the third-pick in the 2019 NBA Draft leave the team, Barrett was ultimately an inefficient scorer that was likely hurting the team’s overall offensive potential. In Anunoby, the Knicks receive a much more efficient scorer and one of the very top defenders in the league. 

Minnesota’s sensational season continues as they’ve now built up a 2.5 game lead over the Thunder for first-place in the West. The Timberwolves have won 24 games and lost just seven with over a third of the season in the books. Despite the oddsmakers seemingly yet to fully buy in on the Twolves as legitimate contenders (listed as the eighth favorites in most books), this team is a real threat. They rank first in adjusted defensive rating and are allowing the fewest points in the NBA at just 107.4. With Rudy Gobert anchoring the paint, Minnesota has an athletic and physical defensive squad that has good lateral quickness and can switch effectively. Minnesota is coming off a controversial 108-106 home win over the Lakers on Saturday, their second straight victory.