Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks 4/2/23 – The Washington Wizards have officially given up this season, as their 5-11 SU record in March put an end to any realistic chance of making postseason basketball. With family vacation time looming, the Wizards could appear as though they are simply going through the motions in these final regular season games – and that is never a team you want backing in the final week of play. NBA betting analysts are in favor of the New York Knicks to win this game.
Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks
Date & Time: Sunday, April 2, 2023 at 6:00 PM ET
Location: Madison Square Garden
Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks 4/2/23 Betting Odds
Wizards
Moneyline: +350
Spread: +9.5 (-114)
Total: TBD
Knicks
Moneyline: -500
Spread: -9.5 (-114)
Total: TBD
Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks Analysis
Before that Magic game, Washington Wizards was coming off an incredible 130-111 upset win against Boston and it wasn’t hard for bettors to predict a letdown spot. They shot 55% from the floor in that win, but then couldn’t hit much against Orlando, shooting 39% with 17 more shot attempts than Orlando had during their loss. Although those shooting percentages may look more like Boston’s than Orlando’s since March started, Washington still hasn’t done much against winning teams since then – even if your forecast predicts more like Boston than Orlando’s loss.
At present, the New York Knicks are in 5th place in the East and must prioritize self-preservation to prepare for the playoffs. As a result, New York players showed no interest in playing physical defense until late in the 2nd half against Cleveland last time out; that likely first round playoff matchup featured two teams out there for a scrimmage without much regard to strategy or intensity. This year’s 130-116 win over Cleveland gave the Knicks a 3-1 series edge over Cleveland, but it was the 79-72 score at halftime that stood out most. Both sides knew what lay ahead and yet only 39 points were scored in the 4th quarter when it was only three points entering it, showing me that neither side put forth enough defensive effort until then.
Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks Against the Spread
Washington are 3-9 SU in their last 12 games. Washington are 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games against New York. Washington are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games against New York. Washington are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on the road. Washington are 13-4 ATS in their last 17 games when playing on the road against New York.
New York are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 games. The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York’s last 6 games. New York are 14-6 SU in their last 20 games. The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York’s last 5 games against Washington. New York are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games at home.
Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks Free Pick
Even when considering that the Knicks will likely play minimal defense for most of their remaining regular season games, taking the chalk with New York remains the better option in my opinion. Washington has no incentive to win now that the playoffs are unlikely, so they simply lack motivation to compete in these final contests according to basketball betting lines.
Free Pick: New York Knicks -9.5 (-114)
