Wizards vs Knicks Odds and Picks

• The Wizards visit the Knicks on Thursday, December 23rd
• Both teams are just 3-7 in their last 10 games
• Read on for the odds, analysis, and prediction

The Washington Wizards wrap up a five-game road trip on Thursday, December 23rd as they visit the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The tip-off is set for 7:30pm ET.

The Wizards haven’t actually played since last Saturday, beating the Utah Jazz. Their contest on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets was postponed due to COVID-19 problems with Steve Nash’s squad. The Knicks, meanwhile, took down the lowly Detroit Pistons earlier this week.

This is the first meeting between these two teams this year, but NY pulled off the three-game sweep against DC last season.

Wizards vs Knicks Odds

Odds as of December 22nd at FanDuel.

Washington is a 1.5-point road favorite and has posted a 13-17-1 ATS record. As for the Knicks, they’re even worse ATS, going 13-18.

Wizards Staying Healthy

While most of the NBA is getting destroyed by COVID-19, the Wizards have managed to stay relatively healthy. Kyle Kuzma spent a short stint in protocols and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is also out due to the virus right now. But other than that, Washington is at full strength.

That being said, DC is struggling to find victories after such a promising start to the campaign. They’ve won just three of their last 10 games but their most recent was a step in the right direction, taking down a very good Jazz team. Bradley Beal led the way with a season-high 37 points, while five other players also ended up in double-digits.

Headed up the coast, NYC bound. #DCAboveAll | @CarMax pic.twitter.com/aPg0nkpFlo

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) December 23, 2021

The Wizards didn’t exactly shoot the ball all that well, draining just 29% of their triples. However, the clear difference-maker was points in the paint, outscoring Utah a whopping 54-30. DC also capitalized off the Jazz’s mistakes, translating 15 turnovers into 18 points.

Defensively, it was a really good performance as well. Although Donovan Mitchell showed out for 32, he shot just 4-for-12 from long range and had five turnovers. The Wizards will need to carry that same energy into New York on both ends of the floor.

Knicks Struggling at MSG

At 14-17, the Knicks are by no means where many people expected them to be after finishing as a No. 4 seed last season. Worst of all, they’re actually playing much worse at home, posting a dismal 6-10 record.

That’s definitely hard to understand given the energy at MSG every night, but it’s the sad reality for them right now. COVID-19 and injuries are also taking their toll on New York.

Derrick Rose underwent successful surgery on his right ankle today at the Hospital for Special Surgery. He will be re-evaluated in eight weeks.

— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) December 23, 2021

Derrick Rose just underwent ankle surgery and will be out for eight weeks. Nerlens Noel just entered health and safety protocols, while RJ Barrett and Kevin Knox remain there, too.

Given how depleted their rotation has been, Tom Thibodeau has brought Kemba Walker back in the mix and the veteran is actually showing well, dropping 20+ points in two straight games.

On Tuesday, Kemba had 21 in a win over the Pistons, finishing as one of their leading scorers alongside Evan Fournier, who posted a team-high 22 points.

It’s not exactly something to brag about when you beat a team like Detroit who literally has the worst record in the Association, but any victory will help New York find some much-needed confidence. Mitchell Robinson’s presence down low was huge for the Knicks, collecting 17 points, 14 boards, and blocking three shots.

Wizards vs Knicks Prediction

Both teams are coming off victories, but the Wizards’ was definitely more of a statement win. The Knicks are just far too shorthanded right now and with no Rose or Barrett again, plus the absence of a key frontcourt figure in Noel, I have a hard time seeing them coming out on top here. There is the chance Barrett clears protocols on Thursday, but I believe Washington is still the best bet to cover.

Pick: Wizards -1.5 (-110)