San Antonio Spurs vs New York Knicks Betting Preview
December 28, 2017
Date & time: Thursday, December 28 @8:30 PM
Venue: AT&T Center (San Antonio)
Head to head record
San Antonio Spurs vs New York Knicks 106-98 (2016/2017 NBA)
New York Knicks vs San Antonio Spurs 94-90 (2016/2017 NBA)
San Antonio Spurs vs New York Knicks 100-99 (2015/2016 NBA)
New York Knicks vs San Antonio Spurs 84-94 (2015/2016 NBA)
San Antonio Spurs vs New York Knicks 73-78 (LVSL 2015)
San Antonio Spurs vs New York Knicks prediction
Buoyed by back-to-back wins over Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs will be looking to give fans yet another reason for celebration when they welcome New York Knicks at their AT&T Center on Thursday.
Impressive winning run at home
San Antonio Spurs failed to impress in the NBA play-offs last season and it has been three years since they won their last NBA title. Coach Gregg Popovich is on a quest to bring glory days back to AT&T Center and the fact that Golden State Warriors key player Stephen Curry suffered a serious injury is giving fans a reason for optimism. San Antonio head into Thursday’s game against New York following back-to-back wins over Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets and you should bear in mind that they are eyeing their 12th consecutive win at home. Spurs are eager to finish the regular season in top position in the Western Conference and, no doubt, the game against Knicks is of big importance for the hosts. A man to watch in the home team will be Kawhi Leonard, who led the team to the 109-97 victory over Nets on Tuesday.
Coach Gregg Popovich has no injury worries ahead of the visit of New York Knicks and he is unlikely to make changes to the starting line-up: Parker, Leonard, Green, Aldridge, Gasol.
Difficulties on the travels
New York Knicks have been having their ups and downs in the 2017/2018 NBA season to date and, as a result, they sit in 9th place in the Eastern Conference ahead of Thursday’s game against San Antonio Spurs. Jeff Hornacek’s troops are determined to book their place in the play-offs, but they will have to be at their sharpest in the remainder of the season if they are to meet the goal. Over the years New York have turned their Madison Square Garden into a real fortress, but they continue to struggle on the travels. Knicks are on a three-game losing run on the road ahead of the trip to Texas and that is the main reason why away win should not be considered. Latvia international Kristaps Porzingis, who has been averaging 24.5 points and 6.6 rebounds this season, is undisputedly the team’s key player and all eyes will be on him when Spurs and Knicks face each other at AT&T Center.
Tim Hardaway Jr. is sidelined with a leg injury, but it has to be noted that he is the only absentee in the away side ahead of Thursday’s game.
Interesting Facts
- San Antonio are on an 11-game winning run at home
- Knicks recorded their last win at AT&T Center in 2014
- Kawhi Leonard has 12.6 points per game this season
- New York suffered nine losses in previous ten away games
- Spurs had 5 blocks in the 109-97 win over Brooklyn Nets
San Antonio Spurs vs New York Knicks betting pick
San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich finally has a full roster to choose from. Spurs have been producing splendid performances at their AT&T Center this season and seeing that New York Knicks are not regarded as good travelers, I am positive that the hosts will emerge triumphant in Thursday’s clash.
Pick: San Antonio Spurs – 11.5
Odds: -111
