Los Angeles Lakers vs New York Knicks Prediction: Motivated Lakers take on road-raiders Knicks

The NBA caravan keeps on choo-chooing toward the postseason and the thrill and excitement only peak as we head deeper. This is a “do-or-die” window for teams that are fighting for the Play-in spots and also for those who want to seal the First Round honors directly by seizing a top-six spot. To capture more of this caravan, the Los Angeles Lakers are going to take on the New York Knicks.

The Lakers come into this match-up after defeating the Raptors 122:112 as returnee D’Angelo Russell posted 28 points. The Lakers have now won three in a row and in an extended window, they have captured eight wins in eleven games to storm back into the Play-in contention with 33 wins and 34 losses. From fifth to 13th rank, the competition for both the Top-Six and the Play-in spots is intense and the Lakers stand a chance to grasp the top-six rank, however, to do that, they will need more of the same. Anthony Davis has been their leader in absence of LeBron while their trade to bring D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt has had a huge impact. The return of Austin Reaves has given more hustle and bustle, making this squad much more threatening than it was before. 

The Knicks come into this affair after losing 96:105 against the Clippers despite a 26 points and 10 rebounds performance by Immanuel Quickley. They have lost three in a row and these losses have come due to some shoddy offense, mostly because of Jalen Brunson’s absence who is the glue that holds the team. The Knicks had captured a nine-game winning streak when Brunson was active but his absence has deteriorated their attack. They have 39 wins and 30 losses, holding onto that precious sixth position in the East and even though the Heat is in seventh position, the Knicks have some distance. But is the distance enough to be called a cushion? At any rate, they need Brunson back.

• Lakers: OUT: LeBron James, Mo Bamba. PROBABLE: Anthony Davis;
• Knicks: Game-Time Decisions: Jalen Brunson, Duane Washington Jr.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Anthony Davis(28+ Points), Julius Randle(24+ Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Anthony Davis(10+ Rebounds), Julius Randle(8+ Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: D’Angelo Russell(7-9 Assists), Josh Hart(6-8 Assists).

The Lakers are playing some inspired ball lately and their team combinations have been panning out well. The Knicks were on a roll too before the injury to Brunson which has limited him severely and thus, in turn, limiting the Knicks’ effort. At home, the Lakers will fancy their chances against a team that will be playing back-to-back affairs at a loss. I believe the scoreline will read 119:110 in favor of LA.