The Phoenix Suns (13-21) welcome the New York Knicks (10-24) to Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns are 6-point favorites and can end a five-game home losing streak. Action gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, January 3, 2020, and can be seen on Fox Sports – Arizona.
New York Knicks at Phoenix Suns Betting Odds
Both teams covered in their last game. The Knicks (4-point underdogs) defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 117-93, while the Suns (11-point underdogs) fell to the Los Angeles Lakers, 117-107. The New York game finished 15.5 points under the projected point total of 225.5, while the Phoenix game finished 1.5 points under the projected point total of 225.5.
New York dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a great effective field goal percentage of 0.551 (above their season average of 0.489) and a turnover percentage of 6.3 (better than their season average of 12.4). For those same stats, Portland was 0.447 and 7.4, respectively. Phoenix, meanwhile, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.523 vs. 0.517). Deandre Ayton played a key role for Phoenix with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Meanwhile, Julius Randle had a solid performance for New York, putting up 22 points and 13 rebounds.
The Suns dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent game, Phoenix won 107-96. The Suns’ 12.5 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Knicks, who had a mark of 19.3. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Oddsmakers are known to set the total high when the Knicks are playing, as 21 of their 34 games have finished under the total. New York comes into the contest with records of 10-24 straight up (SU) and 17-16-1 against the spread (ATS).
Unlike New York, Suns games tend to finish over the total (58.8 percent). Phoenix has a solid record ATS (19-14-1), despite being 13-21 SU.
Phoenix appears to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Suns rank ninth in offensive efficiency, while New York ranks 23rd in defensive efficiency.
Knicks vs. Suns Betting Pick
NBA Pick: SU Winner – Suns, ATS Winner – Knicks, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Knicks rank 17th in blocks per game (4.8) while the Suns rank 28th (3.6).
- Phoenix ranks first in assists per game (28.4) while New York ranks 28th (21.1).
- The Knicks rank second in points allowed in the paint per game (41.8) while the Suns rank 22nd (50.5).
- Phoenix ranks 10th in fast break points per game (14.4) while New York ranks 27th (9.9).
- New York ranks fourth in steals allowed per game (6.9) while Phoenix ranks 15th (7.8).
- The Knicks rank second in second chance points per game (14.9) while the Suns rank 25th (12.1).
- The Suns rank fourth in points off turnovers per game (18.6) while the Knicks rank 19th (16.6).
- New York ranks seventh in rebounds per game (46.5) while Phoenix ranks 12th in rebounds allowed per game (45.1).
- Phoenix ranks fourth in three pointers allowed per game (31.5) while New York ranks 26th (35.4).
- Phoenix is 2-2 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while New York is 3-1.
- The Suns are 13-17 when they reach the century mark, while the Knicks are 9-15.
- New York is 10-7 ATS on the road, while Phoenix is 9-8-1 ATS at home.
- In 17 road games, the Knicks have 9 unders and 8 overs.
- The Suns have 13 overs and 5 unders in 18 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- The Suns are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Knicks are 3-2.
- In their last five games, Phoenix has 3 overs and 2 unders, while New York has 4 unders and 1 over.
- The Suns’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.6, up from 1.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Knicks have scored an average of 107.0 points per game (3.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 103.8 points per game (7.1 below their season average).
