The New York Knicks (23-9) and San Antonio Spurs (23-9) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. The game will broadcast live on NBA TV.
The Spurs are 2-point favorites over the Knicks on the spread (Spurs -2), with the over/under set at 235.5 total points. San Antonio is a -130 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while New York is +110 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Knicks vs. Spurs predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, December 31.
Knicks vs Spurs Prediction, Picks
- Knicks vs Spurs pick: Jalen Brunson Over 6.5 Assists (-135)
My Knicks vs. Spurs best bet is on Jalen Brunson over 6.5 assists, with the best price currently available at DraftKings. However, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Knicks vs Spurs Odds
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2 -110 | 235.5 -112o / -108u | +110 |
| Spurs Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2 -110 | 235.5 -112o / -108u | -130 |
Knicks vs Spurs NBA Preview
The Knicks are the hottest team in the NBA right now, sitting at 15-3 since November 24, including their NBA Cup win over the Spurs on December 16.
However, the Spurs haven’t been too far behind in terms of recent form, prior to dropping two straight games at home to the Jazz and Cavaliers this past Saturday and Monday, respectively.
Both games came with Victor Wembanyama back in the starting lineup after six games coming off the bench. Since returning from his calf injury, Wemby has yet to log at least 30 minutes in any game, a stretch now spanning nine appearances, including the Cup.
San Antonio had won eight straight NBA regular-season games prior to that, not including its loss in the NBA Cup Final to the Knicks, which doesn’t count toward the standings. Even with that, the Spurs are 15-6 since their 8-4 start to the year.
The Knicks saw the return of Deuce McBride last game, where he logged an effective 18 minutes. As of Wednesday morning, he is not listed on today’s injury report.
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) is slated to miss his second straight game, while Josh Hart (ankle) and Landry Shamet (shoulder) will also be out.
Ariel Hukporti (lips) is questionable to play, while Tyler Kolek (ankle) is probable.
For the Spurs, Devin Vassell (right adductor) is out, and Stephon Castle (thumb) is questionable.
Knicks vs Spurs Prediction, Betting Analysis
Jalen Brunson over 6.5 assists is my play for tonight.
Brunson has gone over in six of his last eight games, including an eight-assist performance in the NBA Cup Final against the Spurs.
He likely won’t log north of 40 minutes like he did in that game, but he’s averaging 37 minutes per contest since the end of the Cup.
Quietly, some Knicks have been creeping back up to Thibs-like minutes lately.
For the season, Brunson is averaging 35.5 minutes per game, which would be a career high as a Knick, and his assist percentage remains north of 30. His usage rate has climbed from 29.5 to 31.6, the second-highest mark of his career.
I wouldn’t play this at over 7.5, and if you’re looking at points, I don’t mind over 34.5 points + assists either.
Pick: Jalen Brunson Over 6.5 Assists (-135)
