Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks: Two teams with almost similar records

The NBA Regular Season will end in three days and what a fun ride we have had! For ten teams, the season will end after the Regular Season and then the number of teams will decrease with the Play-in tournament. In this game, two teams that are going to pack their bags in three days and leave the NBA scene till the next season the Washington Wizards and the New York Knicks will clash here.

Wizards need a strong PG in the offseason

The Wizards did a great job of acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, a trade that worked in their favor as Spencer Dinwiddie didn’t fit in the system anyway. And had he fit into the team, the squad could easily have eked out a Play-in spot. The team will need to fill the hole at the Point Guard spot and they will need someone who can be strong at the perimeter defense while also having playmaking abilities

If Bradley Beal sticks with the team, he can form a strong core with Kristaps Porzingis, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Kristaps Porzingis. The Wizards will pray that Kristaps at least play 75% of their season as he has had recurring injury issues. The defense can get stronger and has potential with frontline players like Advija and Hachimura who can showcase further developments.

Knicks will also need a strong PG

The Knicks season was a travesty, especially taking into account that the team finished in the fourth place last season. The major issue for the team was on the offensive end as there were so many nights where the team as a whole shot around 40% or even way below that. RJ Barrett has had a strong season but he needs a high-yielding playmaker to avoid taking tough shots. Julius Randle’s future with the team is unclear and he didn’t seem too impressed with things this time around.

Immanuel Quickley has shown considerable promise as the Point Guard and can develop into a strong two-way player. Evan Fournier’s future with the team is unclear and he had a highly inconsistent season too. Obi Toppin can also benefit from playing alongside a crafty passer and he didn’t get minutes at times because the Knicks were not a great running team and the PF likes to be a rim-runner.

• Wizards: Kyle Kuzma and Bradley Beal remain OUT;
• Knicks: Derrick Rose, Julius Randle, Nerlens Noel, Cam Reddish, Mitchell Robinson, and Kemba Walker are OUT. Quintin Grimes is QUESTIONABLE.

Considering these players are available, below are my player-based props predictions:

• I believe Kristaps Porzingis will score at least 22 points;
• I see RJ Barrett scoring at least 24 points;
• I see Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scoring at least 20 points;
• I believe Immanuel Quickley will dish at least 5 assists;
• I see Rui Hachmiura scoring at least 17 points;
• I believe Obi Toppin will grab at least 7 rebounds.

Points Range: Wizards have been strong on the offensive end especially when Caldwell-Pope has complemented the scoring abilities of Kristaps Porzingis. On the other hand, the Knicks have been one of the most inconsistent teams on the offense throughout the season and they still lack a strong three-point shooting unit. RJ Barrett has defined their offensive effort but he has the tendency to be off from the field. Knicks have been a stronger defensive team than the Wizards on average but on their home floor, the Wizards have engaged in some tough defensive efforts. I believe the points range here is 210-220.

Prediction: The Wizards have had some impressive wins lately, defeating the Mavericks at home and also the Timberwolves away from home. Porzingis will create match-up troubles for the Knicks, which will play without premier defender Mitchell Robinson. I see the Wizards coming up with a strong effort and eking out a 113:106 win here.

• W1 for 1.88;
• Total Under 222.5 for 1.90;
• Team Props: NY Knicks Under 111.5 for 1.86;