The New York Knicks (24-14) and Portland Trail Blazers (19-20) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m. ET from the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. The game will broadcast live on KUNP.
The Knicks are 4.5-point favorites over the Blazers on the spread (Knicks -4.5), with the over/under set at 229.5 total points. The Knicks are -198 favorites to win outright on the moneyline, while the Trail Blazers are +160 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Knicks vs. Trail Blazers predictions and NBA picks for Sunday, January 11.
Knicks vs Trail Blazers Prediction
- Knicks vs Trail Blazers pick: Trail Blazers +4.5 (-105)
My Knicks vs Trail Blazers best bet is on Portland to cover the spread, with the best price currently available at DraftKings. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Knicks vs Trail Blazers Odds
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -115 | 229.5 -112o / -108u | -198 |
| Trail Blazers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -105 | 229.5 -112o / -108u | +160 |
Knicks vs Trail Blazers NBA Preview
The Trail Blazers have been surging of late, winning each of their past five games.
During that span, Deni Avdija is averaging 31.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 7.6 assists, while Donovan Clingan is posting 13.4 points and 13.2 rebounds per game.
With a win tonight, Portland could get back to .500 for the first time since early November.
That timeline coincides with Jrue Holiday's absence, as he has been out since November 14 with a right calf strain.
However, he has been upgraded to questionable for tonight's game. A return would give Portland its point guard back, as Avdija has taken over as the primary ball-handler, even if Holiday is likely on a minutes restriction.
The Knicks could also get a key return tonight, as Josh Hart is questionable with a right ankle sprain. He hasn't played since Christmas, and New York is just 3-5 in that span.
The Knicks continue their West Coast road trip this evening. Against Phoenix, all five starters scored in double figures, but it wasn't enough in a 112-107 loss on Friday night.
They'll need to pick it up on the defensive end. New York ranks 28th in defensive rating over the past 15 games and has slipped to 19th on the season. Their top perimeter defenders, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, will have a tough assignment slowing down Avdija while also staying out of foul trouble.
Bridges could respond on the other end, as he has enjoyed some big games against the Blazers over the years, including a game-winner in Portland.
Miles McBride has been key of late as well, scoring at least 15 points in seven of his last 10 games and averaging 15.7 in that span. His minutes likely won't be affected by Hart's potential return.
Knicks vs Trail Blazers Prediction, Betting Analysis
The Knicks have controlled this series of late, winning six of the last eight meetings. However, it's been much closer against the spread, as New York is 4-3-1 in this matchup over the past four years.
Portland, meanwhile, has been the stronger team against the number of late, going 8-2 ATS over its last 10 games, while the Knicks are just 2-8 ATS in that same span.
Tonight's trends favor the Trail Blazers as well. They're 12-7 ATS at home and 10-3 ATS as a home underdog. On the other side, the Knicks are 4-13 ATS on the road and 3-10 ATS as a road favorite.
Portland has also been the better defensive team of late, and that effort should be enough to secure another cover — and perhaps even an outright win.
Toumani Camara is one of the team's top defenders, but he's also knocked down at least two 3-pointers in each of his last nine games.
The Knicks rank 26th in 3-point attempts allowed and 28th in made 3s allowed this season. Camara also hit two triples in both meetings against New York last year.
Some of those looks could come off passes from Deni Avdija, who has recorded six assists in nine of his last 10 games and scored at least 20 points in nine of those contests as well.
When you factor in his usual six to seven rebounds, he's cleared 35 PRA in eight of his last 10 games. He posted 47 and 44 PRA in two games against the Knicks last season.
Though Mikal Bridges is averaging 15.7 points per game this season, he's reached that mark in just three of his last 10 outings.
Still, he's scored at least 20 points in each of his last four games against Portland, including performances of 42, 33 and 28 points. I like him to at least get back to his season average tonight.
Speaking of averages, Mitchell Robinson is pulling down 9.1 rebounds per game. Even when he's off pace early, he's capable of ripping down three or four offensive boards in a hurry.
Portland ranks 29th in offensive rebounds allowed and 26th specifically against centers, which should work in Robinson's favor. He's grabbed at least eight rebounds in seven of his last 10 games.
Pick: Trail Blazers +4.5 (-105)
Knicks vs Trail Blazers Parlay Picks
- Deni Avdija 35+ Points, Rebounds, and Assists
- Mikal Bridges 15+ Points
- Mitchell Robinson 8+ Rebounds
- Toumani Camara 2+ Three Pointers Made
Parlay Odds: +375 via DraftKings
Trail Blazers vs Knicks Betting Trends
