Venue: Madison Square Garden.
The Spurs took a big step towards the play-in, beating Milwaukee on their home court. All that’s left is to hold on to it. Gregg Popovich’s team now has a back-to-back in New York. The first game at Barclays Center ended poorly, with Brooklyn confidently picking up the win. How will it work out at the legendary Madison Square Garden?
New York had a terrific western away trip
The Knicks went on the worst away trip in the West, falling far short of making the playoffs. And now they’re coming back with a direct ticket as Tom Thibodeau’s team has secured a spot in the top 6. That’s surprising and admirable considering their opponents.
The Knickerbockers first overcame Houston and Memphis, then suffered defeats to Phoenix and Denver, but then played one of the most interesting games of the season. At the Staples Center, the New Yorkers handled the Los Angeles Clippers. 106-100 is a phenomenal defensive effort and a truly team-oriented offense. 25 for Derrick Rose; 24 for Reggie Bullock; 18 for RJ Barrett. Julius Randle had 14 points and 14 rebounds. The Knicks confirmed their status as a powerhouse team capable of surprising in the playoffs.
After their victory over the Clippers, New York lost to the Lakers, 99-101, but only in overtime. However, beating both teams from Los Angeles on their home field was too much.
San Antonio will win when they need to
Gregg Popovich’s experience is such that he can win on demand, and with absolutely any performer. So, the Spurs have been mostly losing lately, but have beaten both New Orleans and Sacramento, direct rivals in the race for the play-in. And then, when New Orleans seemed to be getting close to San Antonio, the Texans took out Milwaukee 146-125 at home. Not only did they score 146 points, but they also brought one of the league’s strongest teams to +21.
The Spurs won the most important game, they can’t look for a higher position than 10th, so the meeting with Brooklyn can hardly be called a failure or a disaster or something like that. 116:128 is without much of a chance for San Antonio.
Expert Betting Tips
The Spurs often win in the most unexpected of circumstances. So why shouldn’t Gregg Popovich’s team beat the New York Knicks in an away game? They just came back from a tough trip and have already secured a playoff spot. The prediction is a win for San Antonio.
Betting options:
- San Antonio to win for 2.50;
- San Antonio to win with a handicap (+4.5) at odds of about 1.90;
- San Antonio’s Individual Total Over 105.5 for 1.80.