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Brooklyn Nets vs. N.Y. Knicks Cappers Wednesday NBA Preview & Free Pick

Nets vs Knicks NBA Handicapping

It’s doubtful that casual NBA fans know that Mike Woodson is the coach of the New York Knicks.

Brooklyn Nets (13-11) at New York Knicks (18-6)
Wednesday, Dec. 19
Madison Square Garden, New York
7 p.m. EST
Spread – Knicks -7.5 at Bovada
O/U – 195

Matchup | Preview

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On a team loaded with big-money players and a fan base littered with TV and movie stars, Woodson is content to take a back seat – as long as the team is winning.

And winning the Knicks are. New York has taken over possession of the Eastern Conference with the team’s best November/December start in decades. The team that takes the court tonight against the crosstown rival Nets has helped revitalize pro basketball in the league’s most important market. Whatever salary Woodson is bringing down, it’s not enough.

Woodson cut his head coaching teeth during a forgettable seven-year run in Atlanta, during which time the Hawks seem to always be getting better but never able to move into the next level. With many surprised that he’s gotten a second chance, Woodson is taking full advantage.

Under Woodson, the Knicks are actually doing it by playing a little defense. They’re just outside the top 10 in the league in fewest points allowed, and in their season signature win, at Miami a few weeks ago, they held the Heat to 92 in a 20-point blowout.

Woodson and the Knicks are winning with some key players out of the lineup. Amare Stoudemire hasn’t played a minute this season as he recovers from knee surgery, although he has started working out with the team’s D-League affiliate. And leading scorer (27.9) Carmelo Anthony has missed the last two games after suffering a sprained ankle last Friday night in New York’s victory over the Lakers. [ad-6571516]

Short-handed, Woodson was forced to start a makeup lineup Monday night against Houston, with two point guards (Ray Felton and Jason Kidd) along with Chris Copeland, Tyson Chandler and Ronnie Brewer. It added up to a blowout loss at home to Jeremy Linn and the Rockets.

The Nets, who have split two games with the Knicks this season, have issues of their own to deal with. They’ve lost two straight and seven of nine, and PG Deron Williams is starting to make noises about not liking the offense.

There are reports that the average price of a ticket on the secondary market is $630.

THE PICK – The 7.5-point spread no doubt assumes that Anthony – who is a game-time decision – will be a go . . .

Both of the games between the teams this season have been relatively close – Brooklyn won the first one by 7, and in the second meeting Kidd’s go-ahead 3-pointer was the difference in the Knicks’ 100-97 victory . . .

The Nets, who lost to Utah at home last night, need rest.

They’ll get three days off after this one, then start a killer stretch of five games in seven days.

Play tonight is NEW YORK and the UNDER.

By Lawrence Paul

Lawrence Paul is back in the saddle as a regular contributor to the Cappers Picks Blog. He's got an AMAZING knack for predicting when a team will have a letdown! Stick with our resident gambling experts sports betting tips all season long!