Knicks vs Wizards Odds, Spread & Picks (Jan. 13)

• New York is laying 3 points to Washington in the Knicks vs Wizards odds on Friday
• Bradley Beal (hamstring) is out, while Kristaps Porzingis (ribs) is questionable
• Check out the available Knicks vs Wizards odds, plus injury news and best bets

If you were left holding a losing Bulls ticket on Wednesday from their loss to the Wizards, I feel your pain. Washington erased a 13-point second half deficit and held on for a 100-97 victory despite scoring just 13 fourth quarter points. They did so without their top two scorers, and they’ll be shorthanded again on Friday versus the Knicks.

Oddsmakers are certainly not expecting another repeat performance by the undermanned Wizards. New York opened as the chalk in the NBA odds, as they search for their sixth win in seven games.

Knicks vs Wizards Odds

Odds as of January 12 at Barstool. Claim the Barstool Sportsbook bonus code to bet on the Knicks vs Wizards game.

The Knicks are currently favored by 3 in a game without a total as of Thursday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 pm ET at the Capital One Arena, and is one of nine games on Friday’s slate.

Washington Wizards Betting Analysis

Washington (18-24, 11-8 home) will once again be without Bradley Beal. The Wizards’ leading scorer hasn’t played since January 3rd due to a hamstring injury, but the team got good news on Thursday. Beal has been cleared for basketball activities and his return will depend on his progress.

Beal has played in just six of the team’s last 18 games, and in only 24 of their 42 contests overall. The Wiz are 10-14 when he’s in the lineup and 8-10 when he sits.

Washington’s second leading scorer Kristaps Porzingis meanwhile, sat out Wednesday’s win as well with sore ribs. The Latvian is listed as questionable ahead of Friday’s contest, as is starting center Daniel Gafford (ankle) and starting point guard Monte Morris (hamstring).

GAME 🤝 @kylekuzma https://t.co/AazrYG0CEi

— Kristaps Porzingis (@kporzee) January 12, 2023

As we’ll explore, New York is not a team you want to face shorthanded right now. In order to stay competitive Washington will need some of their ancillary pieces to step up on Friday, much like they did on Wednesday.

Kyle Kuzma buried the game-winning shot versus the Bulls, breaking a 97-97 deadlock in the final seconds. He led the team in scoring with 21 points, while journeyman backup guard Anthony Gill added a career-high 18 points.

The Wizards enter play ranked 21st in offensive rating, and 24th in p

New York Knicks Betting Analysis

The Knicks (23-19, 12-8 away) are fresh off a 119-113 victory over the Pacers. Their lone loss over their past six games was to top-three NBA Championship odds contender Milwaukee, in a contest they led by as many as 14 in the second half.

The trio of Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett have been logging big minutes and putting up big numbers recently, carrying the New York offense. Each are averaging over 20 points per contest, while Brunson has been a star this month pouring in 33.2 points per outing.

Jalen Brunson Last 4 Games

34 PTS | 3 REB | 4 AST | 55% FG
44 PTS | 7 REB | 4 AST | 50% FG
26 PTS | 5 REB | 8 AST | 47% FG
38 PTS | 7 REB | 6 AST | 63% FG

pic.twitter.com/fh5mV7y6bV

— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) January 12, 2023

As good as the offense has been, it’s the defense that’s been carrying them. The Knicks rank second in defensive rating over their last six games, yielding an average of 107 points per 100 possessions. If you extrapolate that over an entire season, it would be two points better than any other team in the league.

After a slow defensive start, New York has moved up to 10th in defensive rating for the season, and rank eighth in opponent points per game. They’re surrendering an enemy field goal percentage of only 45.3%, which is better than all but three teams. Needless to say, the Washington offense is in trouble.

Knicks vs Wizards Predictions

The Knicks are 4-2 against the spread in their past six games, covering in both road contests during that stretch. They’re 13-6 ATS over their last 19 outings, and boast the league’s sixth best cover rate.

Washington on the other hand, is just 18-21-3 against the spread this season, failing to cover in 11 of 19 home tilts. Without Beal and Porzingis they were able to steal a win from Chicago, but don’t expect a similar outcome if Porzingis sits again.

NBA Defensive Rating Ranks – Last 6 Games

Even if the does play however, he’ll likely be operating at less than 100%. If he’s ruled out prior to tipoff this line is going to move in New York’s favor, so if you like the Knicks lock them in now.

Pick: New York Knicks -3 (-110)