Christmas Day is the day celebrated by all NBA fans, and we are treated to a big game in the garden with New York hosting the Sixers. With how good RJ Barrett has been lately, that’s what our NBA betting picks are aiming for.
There’s no such thing as Christmas Day in the garden, but if the New York Knicks want their fans to have a Merry Christmas, they’ll have to beat Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers who are intent on playing the part. of the Grinch. New York is reeling from a heartbreaking last-second loss at home on Friday as the Sixers bid for their eighth straight win after a perfect seven-game homestand.
Fresh off a season-high 44 points, our NBA betting picks and predictions for the 76ers vs. The Knicks think RJ Barrett will stay hot on Sunday, Dec. 25.
76ers vs Knicks best odds
76ers vs Knicks picks and predictions
RJ Barrett played the best basketball of his young season last night, scoring 44 points on 70% shooting from the field (including 6-for-6 3-pointers). The performance caps off a recent streak that stood out in stark contrast to his play to start the year.
Barrett couldn’t hit the broadside of a barn for the first 17 games, and as such, his season-to-date numbers are still well below his career averages. But in his last 15 games he has gradually come to life – scoring more efficiently and frequently from the rim, generating free throws, playing defense and proving why he is still the best prospect on the field. New York Knicks.
Considering this is his fourth season, it’s easy to forget that Barrett is still so young. At 22, he’s still the second-youngest player on the Knicks’ roster, and this recent streak should assure fans (and bettors) that his ceiling remains very high.
Because last night – while spectacular – wasn’t an unpredictable blast of a game. It’s been in the air with Barrett for a while now. RJ is averaging 27.3 points from 51% from the field and 47.7% from long range in his last eight games. He also hit the Over on his prop points in seven of those eight contests. Barrett is trusted to lead the second unit offense and seems quite comfortable doing so.
As he grew more comfortable, he demonstrated the real reason to be excited about his long-term upside: his pick and roll craft. RJ is great at using a screen and then subtly shifting gears, pushing his opponent back to create space, or putting his opponent in jail. He’s comfortable in those tight spaces and hits shots from floating distance, gets to the basket or sprays for three-point shooters.
One would expect the Philadelphia 76ers to be tough cover for Barrett, who likes to do his damage all around the basket. But despite the presence of Joel Embidthe Sixers are one of the worst rim defenses in the league. They allow the fourth-highest opposing shot percentage in the NBA for Cleaning the Glass.
Bank on Broadway Barrett to spend Christmas Day.
my best bet: RJ Barrett Over 22.5 points (-111 to FanDuel)
Best NBA Bonuses
Looking to make NBA bets? Here are two of the best bonuses* available:
A) Knicks, Mavericks, Celtics and Warriors all winners BOOSTED to +1,200 to the Caesars! BetNow
B) New DraftKings users can bet $5 and get $150 in free bets! Register now
*Eligible locations in the United States only. Also see our full list of best sports betting promotions for 2022.
Analysis of the spread of the 76ers against the Knicks
Even allowing for Friday’s crushing loss to the Chicago Bulls, the Knicks have been spreading killers lately. Over the past two weeks, they’ve beaten the gap by an average of 10.6 points per game, the second-best mark in the NBA over that span (and more than five points ahead of the 76ers, who also did well). performed ATS).
Although New York’s defense got much of the credit for its recent success, it was even better on offense. The Knicks have played as the sixth-best defense the past eight games, but as the second-best offense. Their 122.3 offensive rating is by far the biggest reason for their recent success, and it stems from the exceptional play of Barrett and Julius Randle.
Outside of the occasional blown layup or defensive lapse, Randle has played at the All-Star level for the past dozen or so games. Still, against James Harden and Joel Embiid, New York faces a significant talent gap.
Harden is coming off a rare triple-double of 20 points, 21 assists and 11 rebounds while Embiid had 44 points on 60% shooting. No team has yet found an answer to their pick-and-roll game that they feel comfortable with.
The Knicks are 8-1 ATS in their last nine, but the 76ers are a level above the competition they’ve faced in that span. At that tight line, I’d lean towards Philadelphia.
76ers vs. Knicks Over/Under Analysis
That streak has gone from 219.5 to 218 in most sportsbooks, which is confusing given the recent play of both teams. Sure, both of these teams are capable of playing top defense, but both have also been in the top 5 for the past two weeks.
The Knicks’ propensity to foul should also advance that total towards the Over. This season, New York has committed the eighth-most fouls of any NBA team. Harden and Embiid combine for over 18 free throw attempts per game, so while this game may not have a lot of flow, it should see a significant number of runs generated by the charity stripe.
For their part, the Knicks generate the second-most second-chance points of any team. They’ve been demons on the offensive glass, and that’s an area Philadelphia continues to struggle mightily with.
But while the style of play and that modest line scream Over, recent trends point in the opposite direction. The under is 8-3 in New York’s last 11 games and 14-2 in Philadelphia’s last 16 against winning teams.
76ers vs Knicks betting trend you need to know
The 76ers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall. find more NBA Betting Trends for the 76ers against Knicks.
76ers vs Knicks Match Info
| Location: | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date: | Sunday, December 25, 2022 |
| Trick : | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ABC, ESPN, Sportsnet |
0 Comments