Wizards vs Knicks Odds, Spread & Predictions (Jan. 18)

Published: January 17, 2023 at 8:01 pm EST

RJ Barrett pumped reaction — Jan 16, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett (9) reacts after a basket against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks are 6-point home favorites vs the Washington Wizards Wednesday night
New York is 7-2 in their last nine, while Washington has dropped five of six
Read below for the Wizards vs Knicks odds and predictions

If the New York Knicks (25-20, 11-12 home) want to stay above the play-in fray in the East, they’re probably going to have to crank it up at MSG.

The only team in playoff position in either conference with a losing record at home, New York will try to get back to .500 when they host the reeling Washington Wizards (18-26, 7-16 away).

Washington has the second-fewest road wins in the East, with seven in 23 outings. They might also be down all-star Bradley Beal, who’s nursing a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable.

This one gets underway Wednesday (January 18) at 7:30pm ET from Madison Square Garden, in a game you can see live on NBA League Pass.

Wizards vs Knicks Odds

Team	Spread	Moneyline	Total
Washington Wizards	+6 (-110)	+198	OFF
New York Knicks	-6 (-110)	-240	OFF

Odds as of January 17 at FanDuel. Claim the FanDuel promo code to bet on the Wizards vs Knicks game.

The NBA odds have the Knicks as 6-point home favorites and a -240 favorite on the moneyline.

New York had their three-game win streak snapped by the Raptors in a 123-121 OT loss last time out, but they’re still 7-2 in their last nine. On the year, they’re just 8-13-2 against the spread at home this season, the third-worst success rate in the NBA.

This will be the second meeting in five days between these clubs, with New York taking the Jan 13 clash 112-108.

Washington Betting Analysis

After ripping off five straight wins — including a New Year’s day W in Milwaukee — the Wizards have struggled, with just a single victory in their last six.

Defense has been an issue during this skid, as they have surrendered 120.2 points per game, a big jump from their middle-of-the-pack season average of 113.4.

21 points for KP (and it's not even halftime)#WizWarriors pic.twitter.com/kOkGH7NpGd

— NBC Sports Wizards (@NBCSWizards) January 16, 2023

Last time out, they got thumped 127-118 by the Golden State Warriors, who had just four wins in 21 previous road games. Kristaps Porzingis led the way with 32 points, adding five rebounds and three assists, while Kyle Kuzma had 16 points, 11 rebounds and five dimes.

Kuzma was a wrecking ball in the last meeting between these teams, dropping a game-high 40 points, with seven rebounds and seven assists in the losing effort. Porzingis had 21 against the team he broke into the NBA with.

Washington will need those two to again carry the offensive load if Beal can’t go. Beal hasn’t suited up since a January 3 game against the Bucks.

New York Betting Analysis

The Knicks are on a really good run right now, having won 15 of their last 22. It would be a contender-level like fun-run if they could just close out games they’ve led in the fourth quarter.

New York had a 10-point lead early in the fourth quarter against the Raptors and couldn’t land the plane. Five of their seven losses during this stretch have come with the Knicks in front at some point in the final frame, unable to close.

OH MY RJ BARRETT 😱

POSTER TO TIE THE GAME WITH 0.6 REMAINING

WATCH: https://t.co/1pomQZN8Pi pic.twitter.com/sNIWkAkTPP

— NBA (@NBA) January 16, 2023

RJ Barrett led the Knicks in scoring with 32 points, with seven rebounds and six assists. The other stars had rough shooting nights: Jalen Brunson had 26 points but shot a chilly 11-for-29 from the field.

Julius Randle was 7-for-20 for 21 points, adding 15 rebounds and eight dimes. It’s just third time in his last 14 games that Randle hasn’t gone for at least 25.

Wizards vs Knicks Betting Prediction

Both of these teams are just outside the top 10 in paint scoring, piling up over 51 points per game. The Knicks, though, are one of the best teams in the league at curbing that scoring pocket, with teams scoring only 44.6 points in the paint per contest, the 2nd-lowest mark in the league.

The battle on the glass will also be a decider here: Washington is the 5th-best defensive rebounding team in the NBA, but the Knicks are first in offensive rebounding, a big reason why they lead in the league in second chance points.

Washington is just 1-5 ATS in their last six, though they are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 at MSG.

New York is 4-0 ATS in their last four with a day rest. On the year, they’re a solid 17-12-1 ATS bet. Washington has the third-worst betting mark with a day break, going just 8-14-3 ATS.

Check to see Beal’s status before this one, as that could guide you to a Wizards’ cover. I’m of the assumption he sits, and that helps New York roll.

Pick:

Knicks -6 (-110); 1 unit to win 0.91 units
NBA Betting Record: 23-20 ATS, 1-1 ML, 4-4 o/u, 0-2 parlays; -0.18 units

Eric Rosales

Sports Writer & Editor

Having worked in and around sports since 1997, Eric is truly a knowledgeable expert. The two-time journalism grad specializes in all things NBA and NFL. From TSN.ca to CTV's Olympic Broadcast Consortium, Eric's work has appeared in local and national publications alike.

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