Time is running out for the Phoenix Suns as they desperately chase a postseason place. The most expensive roster in the NBA is lagging in 11th place in the Western Conference, three wins out from the final Play-In spot.
The Suns have five games remaining to sneak into the Play-In Tournament, but they are doing it without the injured Kevin Durant. Their luck could be about to get even worse, as they head to a New York Knicks side who are set to get Jalen Brunson back from injury.
The Knicks are in third place in the Eastern Conference, but their hopes of a deep play-off run rest on Brunson’s scoring and ball-handling. However, New York’s supporting cast have stepped up their game in his absence. They could thrive once again as Brunson gets minutes under his belt.
A five-game losing streak has effectively blown the Suns’ hopes of a place in the Play-In Tournament. The latest leg of their East Coast trip brought a 20-point loss at the hands of the Boston Celtics - a defeat that left Phoenix with a 12-27 record against teams .500 and above this season.
On the other hand, the Knicks have been relentless against weaker sides so far. New York has a 37-9 record against teams with losing records, so the line between them and the 35-42 Suns could be a little short.
The Suns’ entire approach is based around outscoring opponents, as they traded away their most reliable defenders to create their big three of Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Without Durant’s 26.6 points per game, there is little surprise the Suns have been falling short of late.
The Suns cover the spread at the second-worst rate in the NBA this season, only ahead of a Philadelphia 76ers side enduring a disastrous campaign. The Suns have failed to cover in 47 of their 77 games this season.
The Knicks have covered the spread in the majority of games where they have started as favorites. Brunson’s return only makes them stronger, so back them to comfortably see off Phoenix.
OG Anunoby’s calling card is his defensive ability, but the former Toronto Raptor has stepped up his scoring in Brunson’s absence.
Anunoby is averaging 23.1 points per game since Brunson’s injury, up from 17.9 for the season overall. The wing has cleared 20 points in each of his last nine games, including two 30-point games in that stretch.
The reduced number here is likely down to Brunson’s return, but the guard hasn’t featured since early March. As he looks to build back fitness, the Knicks’ supporting cast should continue to carry more of an offensive burden.
The Suns have limited defensive options to mark a player like OG, so back him for another strong showing.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ scoring didn’t change much during Brunson’s absence, with the former Minnesota Timberwolves star staying steady at around 24 points per night.
He’s featured a lot at center, even after Mitchell Robinson’s return. That’s put KAT on course for a career-high in rebounds, as he is averaging 12.8 per game.
Towns cleans up off the glass on the defensive end, while he uses his size and three-point scoring to rack up points at the other end. Given that the Suns rank 28th in offensive rebounding, 21st in three-point attempts allowed and 26th in opponent three-point percentage, KAT is poised for another big night.
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Phoenix Suns | +290 |
New York Knicks | -370 |
Spread | NY Knicks -8.5 |
Total Points | O/U 227.5 |
Devin Booker (PHX Suns) | O/U 29.5 |
Karl-Anthony Towns (NY Knicks) | O/U 21.5 |
Jalen Brunson (NY Knicks) | O/U 20.5 |
OG Anunoby (NY Knicks) | O/U 18.5 |
Bradley Beal (PHX Suns) | O.U 15.5 |
Mikal Bridges (NY Knicks) | O/U 14.5 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.