Warriors vs Knicks NBA Handicapping
Two of the most bipolar teams in the league go at it tonight in the Big Apple when the Golden State Warriors take on the New York Knicks.
Golden State Warriors (33-23) at New York Knicks (33-20)
Wednesday, Feb. 27
Madison Square Garden, New York
8 p.m. EST
Spread – Knicks -7
Total – 205.5 at Bovada
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Both had white-hot starts to the season, both hit major bumps in the long road that is the NBA regular season, and now with under 30 games left before the playoffs, both are still trying to figure out just what they have and what their chances might be in the playoffs.
After a choppy start, the Warriors got things together around the holiday, and in December and January they were one of the toughest outs in the Association.
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But a 6-game losing streak (to be fair, all those losses were to decent teams) in early February was followed by a 3-game winning streak, then last night’s brawl with the Pacers on the way to another defeat.
Add it all up and the Warriors are sitting in the 6th spot in the Western Conference, with not much of a chance of moving up to a coveted 4 seed but still having to be concerned about dropping down. Falling to 7 or 8 would result in a first-round playoff date with the Spurs or Thunder, a fate to be avoided at all costs.
The problem, as it always seems to be in the Bay area, is shoddy defense. Golden State has given up 100 or more in 10 straight games, and allowed 99 on the two times they held opponents to double digits.
By the time the Warriors head for church on Sunday morning, they will have played four road games (Indy, NY, Boston, Philly) in five days. Coach Mark Jackson is no doubt hoping they can keep their heads above water before heading home for a 7-game homestand. [ad-6571516]
Jackson will get no sympathy from the Knicks, who have run hot (6 wins in 7 games) and cold (4 losses in the last 5) themselves this month. As if that’s not enough, NY coach Mike Woodson has to figure out a way to keep franchise scorer Carmelo Anthony from going berserk. Anthony has had run-ins with several opponents this season, the latest being 76er big Spencer Hawes.
As if Melo’s delicate psyche is not enough of a concern, the Knicks are closely monitoring Jason Kidd, whose offense has fallen off a cliff. In the last 10 games, Kidd is just 10 for 47 from the floor and has scored a total of just 30 points.
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Since Feb. 3 the Warriors have covered only three times, but given the inconsistent play of both teams, a better play on this on would be the under.
GS will be gassed from last night’s emotional game in Indiana and subsequent plane ride, while the Knicks have been under 100 for five straight games; don’t look for that to change tonight.
