NBA Picks: Can the Knicks beat the Hornets straight up on Friday?

Hornets vs. Knicks Pick

Will the New York Knicks be able to rally together to pick up a win when they host the Charlotte Hornets tonight at 7:30PM ET?

According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, this game is considered even, with neither the Hornets nor Knicks being given points. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 212.5 points. The Hornets have won three of four against New York, but the two have split the pair of meetings this season. New York covered in both contests.

Bet on Hornets vs. Knicks

The Knicks are dealing with plenty of turmoil and have lost three of their last four to fall to 20-27. They are 26-21 against the spread despite failing to cover in three of their last four as well. Carmelo Anthony has been in the media’s eye for a possible trade after his strained relationship with Phil Jackson has gone public. Anthony is averaging 22.7 points and 6.1 rebounds to lead the Knicks, as team that averages 105.4 points per game, but the New York defense is a mess and allowing 108.1 points per contest. Kristaps Porzingis is putting up 18.8 points and 7.2 rebounds for the Knicks as well.

Charlotte has lost two straight and failed to cover the spread in three straight to drop to 23-23 on the season and 21-24-1 against the spread. The Hornets have a similar offensive capability to New York, averaging 105.2 points per game. However, their defense allows much less, an average of 103.4 per game. Kemba Walker leads the team with 23 points and 5.5 assists per game while Nicolas Batum is adding 14.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.9 assists per contest. Charlotte has been dealing with plenty of injuries as Cody Zeller (quad) and Jeremy Lamb (foot) are both questionable tonight. The two combined for over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game when on the floor.

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I’d like to say I see the Knicks coming away with a win at home, but I feel the team is too maligned right now to really step up. The Hornets are coming in limping, but still sit at .500 and know they need to win these games in order to make a run to the playoffs. Carmelo has lost his motivation to try for Jackson and New York, so I don’t think he will carry the Knicks to a win tonight.

 

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: CHARLOTTE HORNETS EVEN