Game Information:
Date: Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Location: Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah
Television: MSG Network and AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain
Tonight, we’re setting our sights on a battle in the Beehive State, where the New York Knicks, fresh off a statement win over the Toronto Raptors, head west to tangle with the enigmatic Utah Jazz at the Vivint Smart Home Arena. Buckle up, because this one promises to be a barnburner.
Betting Odds:
Spread: Knicks -6
Over/Under: 228 points
Top 5 Successful NBA Betting Models:
ESPN Basketball Power Index (BPI): Knicks 63.4%
FiveThirtyEight CARMELO Rating: Knicks 62%
Basketball Reference’s Simple Rating System (SRS): Knicks 5.7
HOOPSPRO Report: Knicks 115.7 – 109.9
VSiN’s Prediction: Knicks -6
BetQL and Sportsline Models:
BetQL: Knicks -6
Sportsline: Knicks -5.5
Average Final Score Prediction:
Based on the top 5 successful NBA betting models, the average final score prediction is:
Knicks: 115.0
Jazz: 109.8
Pythagorean Theorem Plus Strength of Schedule:
Using the Pythagorean theorem, the expected final score is:
Knicks: 113.9
Jazz: 114.2
However, when factoring in strength of schedule, the predicted score becomes:
Knicks: 114.2
Jazz: 113.5
Key Player Injuries:
Knicks:
Immanuel Quickley (questionable)
Mitchell Robinson (out)
Jazz:
John Collins (questionable)
Lauri Markkanen (questionable)
Walker Kessler (questionable)
Jordan Clarkson (out)
Trends:
The Knicks are 14-8 against the spread this season.
The Jazz are 8-13 against the spread this season.
The Knicks are 6-4 against the spread on the road this season.
The Jazz are 2-8 against the spread at home this season.
The Knicks are favored in this matchup despite missing players like Mitchell Robinson. The Jazz are also dealing with injuries, potentially missing John Collins and Lauri Markkanen. However, the Jazz have a strong home-court advantage and are motivated to bounce back from a recent losing streak.
Final Score Prediction:
Based on the current information, here are two possible scenarios:
Scenario 1: Both teams with healthy key players:
Knicks: 118
Jazz: 112
Scenario 2: Knicks with Quickley out, Jazz with key absences:
Knicks: 114
Jazz: 108
Combined Pick:
Taking an average of the models’ picks and our pick, the final combined pick for the game is:
Knicks: 115.7
Jazz: 110.2
This suggests a tight victory for the Knicks, but the Jazz have the potential to keep it close if they can take advantage of the Knicks’ missing big man and capitalize on their home-court advantage. The availability of Immanuel Quickley and John Collins will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game.
Strengths:
Knicks: Defense, rebounding, strong road record.
Jazz: Home-court advantage, balanced offense, Donovan Mitchell.
Weaknesses:
Knicks: Lack of size without Robinson, inconsistent offense, relying heavily on Jalen Brunson.
Jazz: Defense, lack of experience, missing key players.
X-Factors:
The availability of Immanuel Quickley and John Collins.
The Jazz’s defensive intensity and effort.
Overall:
While the Knicks are the slight favorites, the Jazz have the potential to pull off an upset if they can capitalize.
The Knicks vs. Jazz matchup on December 13th promises to be a nail-biter with both teams having a chance to win. The Jazz’s underdog status and home-court advantage make them an intriguing pick, but the Knicks’ strong defense and consistent shooting shouldn’t be overlooked. This game is a must-watch for any NBA fan who enjoys close contests and unexpected outcomes.
Pick: Take the Knicks -6 tonight. ***LOSE***