New York Knicks vs. Washington Wizards Odds, Tips and Predictions, Dec 28

The New York Knicks are set to face the Washington Wizards on December 28, 2024, at Capital One Arena. The Knicks have been performing well this season, boasting a 20-10 record. They are currently on a winning streak, having secured victories in their last three games. The Wizards have struggled this season, holding a 5-23 record. They have lost four of their last five games, indicating challenges on both ends of the court. 

New York Knicks vs. Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena Match Details

Date: Saturday, 28^th December 2024

Start Time: 7.00pm ET

Venue: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

Last meeting: November 19, 2024, New York Knicks 134- Washington Wizards 106

Betting Tips

Odds available closer to event on Stake

• Knicks to Win: New York is on a positive streak, winning their last three games. This momentum boosts their confidence and overall performance, while the Wizards have been struggling with three losses in their last five games, further highlighting their difficulties.
• Total points: Over 221 points- The Knicks have been involved in high-scoring games recently, and while the Wizards may not always score efficiently, they’ve still had a few games where they managed to score above the 110-point mark. If both teams get into a rhythm offensively, 221 total points is within reach.
• Knicks to cover the spread: The Knicks' superior roster, and the Wizards’ ongoing struggles, it’s a reasonable prediction that the Knicks will cover the spread. They are the stronger team, and Washington’s weak defense and lack of offensive consistency make it unlikely that they’ll keep the game close enough to cover the spread.

Head-to-Head Record

As of December 27, 2024, the New York Knicks and the Washington Wizards have faced each other 319 times in the regular season, with the Knicks leading the all-time series 183-136. Below is a head-to-head record of the two teams. Knicks have won 4 out of 5 recent games.

New York Knicks: Current Form- WWWWW

The New York Knicks are currently in excellent form, having won their last five games. This impressive streak has been fueled by a combination of offensive and defensive strengths. Jalen Brunson has been the team’s leader, providing consistent scoring and playmaking, while Julius Randle has contributed significantly in both scoring and rebounding. The team's offense is well-balanced, with multiple players stepping up in key moments, making them harder to defend against.

Defensively, the Knicks have been exceptional, with players like Mitchell Robinson providing rim protection and the team as a whole limiting opponents' shooting and second-chance opportunities. Their defensive consistency has been a major factor in their success.

Key Players to Watch

• Jalen Brunson: Brunson has been the driving force behind the Knicks' offense. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, combined with his playmaking skills, makes him the team's leader. He is essential in controlling the pace and executing in clutch moments, and his performances have been pivotal in the Knicks' recent victories.
• Karl-Anthony Towns: As the center for the New York Knicks he provides a rare combination of scoring ability, rebounding, and playmaking that would elevate the team's overall performance. His offensive versatility gives the Knicks more spacing and balance, while his defensive presence, would makes his frontcourt a major force.
• Mikal Bridges: He is a standout player known for his elite defense, versatility, and evolving offensive game. His ability to guard multiple positions, contribute as a shooter, and make intelligent decisions on the floor makes him a highly valuable asset.

Washington Wizards: Current Form- WLLWL

The Washington Wizards have been showing a WLLWL form recently, which highlights their struggle with consistency. This kind of pattern—alternating wins and losses—indicates that while they have the capability to secure victories, they are unable to sustain a steady level of performance across multiple games. The Wizards’ recent performances suggest they are dealing with issues that prevent them from maintaining momentum.

On the defensive end, the team seems to have had trouble locking down opponents, especially in their losses. When they falter defensively, they allow teams to score freely, which puts them at a disadvantage, especially in close games. Without the ability to make key stops or control the tempo defensively, the Wizards have been vulnerable.

Offensively, there are also signs of inconsistency. In their losses, the Wizards may have experienced scoring droughts or struggled with shooting efficiency. Their offensive flow seems to be disrupted at times, especially when their star players are not firing on all cylinders. This makes it hard for them to close out games or sustain a lead when they get one.

Key Players to Watch

Kyle Kuzma: Kuzma has become the primary offensive option for the Wizards. As a versatile forward, he can score from beyond the arc, mid-range, and at the rim. His ability to create his own shot, as well as space the floor, makes him crucial to the Wizards' offense. Kuzma's ability to step up in big moments, particularly with his scoring and rebounding, will be key to the team’s success.

Jordan Poole: Acquired from the Golden State Warriors, Poole has shown he can be a dynamic scorer. He’s capable of filling it up from deep, driving to the basket, and creating his own shot off the dribble. While he has had some inconsistency in his early Wizards tenure, Poole can be a big-time scorer, and if he gets hot, he can carry the offense. His scoring off the bench, or potentially as a starter, will be vital for the Wizards to stay competitive.

Jonas Valančiūnas: Valančiūnas is one of the best rebounders in the NBA. His physicality and size (6'9", 250 pounds) make him a dominant force in the paint. He excels at both offensive and defensive rebounding, providing the Wizards with crucial extra possessions. His ability to control the boards will help the Wizards minimize second-chance opportunities for opponents and give them more opportunities to score.

Predicted New York Knicks Lineup

Point Guard- Jalen Brunson 

Shooting Guard- Josh Hart 

Small Forward- Mikal Bridges

Power Forward- Precious Achiuwa

Center: Karl-Anthony Towns

H2: Predicted Washington Wizards Lineup

Point Guard- Malcolm Brogdon

Shooting Guard- Jared Butler

Small Forward- Justin Champagnie

Power Forward- Marvin Bagley

Center: Karl- Jonas Valanciunas

New York Knicks News

The Knicks are reportedly interested in acquiring Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela to address their frontcourt needs. Discussions suggest that the Knicks may consider moving on from bench contributor Miles McBride to facilitate this potential trade.

Washington Wizards News

The Wizards have been dealing with injuries to key players, including Bilal Coulibaly and Alexandre Sarr. These absences have impacted the team's performance, contributing to their recent struggles. 

Top Players

New York Knicks

• Karl-Anthony Towns: Towns has been a dominant force in the paint and beyond the arc, contributing significantly to both scoring and rebounding. His versatility as a stretch big has added a new dimension to the Knicks' offense.
  Stats: 24.6 PPG, 13.7 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.1 BPG, 0.5 SPG, 50.3% FG, 39.2% 3P, 85.4% FT
• Jalen Brunson: Brunson has been the offensive leader, orchestrating plays and providing consistent scoring. His leadership has been crucial in the Knicks' strong start to the season.

Stats: 20.5 PPG, 7.6 APG, 4.2 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 45.2% FG, 38.5% 3P, 85.1% FT

• Mikal Bridges : Acquired in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets, Bridges has quickly become a key two-way player, providing scoring and elite defense on the wing.
  Stats: 18.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 47.8% FG, 39.5% 3P, 84.7% FT

Washington Wizards

• Jordan Poole: Poole has been the primary scorer for the Wizards, known for his ability to create shots and score from long range. His leadership has been crucial in close games, and his playmaking ability allows him to facilitate offense for the team.

Stats: 22.7 PPG, 5.4 APG, 4.0 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 44.2% FG, 35.1% 3P, 85.4% FT

• Bilal Coulibaly: As a rookie, Coulibaly has showcased his versatility on both ends of the floor. He has been an efficient scorer and a solid defender, adding depth to the Wizards’ roster. His all-around contributions make him an exciting young player to watch.

Stats: 11.2 PPG, 3.3 APG, 4.2 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 43.5% FG, 36.7% 3P, 75.0% FT
Kyle Kuzma: Kuzma remains a consistent scoring option for the Wizards and plays an important role as a rebounder and playmaker. His experience is invaluable to the team, though trade rumors have been swirling around him as the Wizards continue to evaluate their future.

Stats: 18.9 PPG, 2.5 APG, 7.3 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 44.8% FG, 34.0% 3P, 80.3% FT

Prediction: Knicks to Win

Odds available closer to event on Stake

The Knicks will be playing at home, where they have generally performed better this season. Home-court advantage plays a role in their motivation and the strong support of their fanbase. The Knicks have won recent matchups against the Wizards, including a significant win streak against them in previous seasons. Historically, the Knicks have had a strong track record when facing Washington.

The Wizards are dealing with injuries and uncertainty surrounding key players like Kristaps Porzingis and Bilal Coulibaly, who are crucial to their success. The Knicks, on the other hand, have fewer injury concerns and should be at full strength heading into the game.