Portland Trail Blazers vs New York Knicks Prediction: Amped-up Knicks take on uninspiring Portland

The NBA story has now moved to the final parts of the Regular Season and we are in for the most crucial games at this stage. This means that the intensity will be up further and any losing streak can become a big spoiler for the teams looking to enter either the top-six ranks to automatically enter the first round of the Playoffs or the remaining four spots for the Play-in tournament. In another crucial match-up, Portland Trail Blazers are going to take on the New York Knicks.

Portland comes into the contest after yet another disappointing loss, losing 110:127 against the Pelicans despite a 17 points outing by Anfernee Simons. This was the third straight loss for the Trail Blazers and they have now lost six of their last eight games. They have now slipped to 37 losses and have just 31 wins in what has been another disappointing season. Damian Lillard had another spectacular 30+ points season and when it seems like he has enough help through Anfernee Simons and Jerami Grant, it wasn’t meant to be yet again and the team has completely collapsed on both ends, currently on the verge of being knocked out before the Postseason.

The Knicks enter the game after a tight 112:108 victory against the Lakers as their defense once again showed up. Also, Julius Randle collected 33 points and 11 rebounds and the team broke a three-game losing streak that was triggered when Jalen Brunson got injured. In the overall scenario, their highly impressive play has enabled them to clinch 40 wins in comparison to 30 losses. The Knicks look primed to seize a top-six East Conference position and their play has been huge thanks to the duo of Brunson and Randle backing up a deep Guard rotation that helps out in sorting the shooting woes. Overall, the Knicks may not be title favorites but can be a tough first-round draw nonetheless.

• Trail Blazers: OUT: Justice Winslow, Ibou Badji. QUESTIONABLE: Damian Lillard, Jerami Grant;
• Knicks: Game-Time Decision: Jalen Brunson

The Knicks have been amazing these days and despite some temporary fluctuations, their play on both ends has been highly impressive. The Trail Blazers have been in trouble and they are heading toward another disappointing season. Considering these dynamics, I’d back the Knicks to win here and predict a scoreline of 117:112 in their favor.