Knicks vs. Hornets Point Spread – Free Pick

New York Knicks (12-13 SU, 11-13-1 ATS) vs. Charlotte Hornets (7-18 SU, 12-11-2 ATS)
When: Friday, December 9th, 7:00 PM (ET)
Where: Spectrum Center, NC, Charlotte
TV: BSSE

Point Spread: NY -4.0/ CHA +4
Total: 225.5
Money Line: New York Knicks -176/ +146

Notable Injuries

Knicks

• Ryan Arcidiacono (Out) Ankle
• Obi Toppin (Out) Knee

Hornets

• Gordon Hayward (Out) Shoulder
• Dennis Smith Jr. (Out) Ankle
• Cody Martin (Out) Knee
• LaMelo Ball (Out) Ankle
• Mark Williams (Out) Ankle

Recent Form

Heading into the game, New York is 12-13 overall. When taking to the road, New York has a mark of 6-6 and a win percentage of 50.0%. Currently, the team is 9th in the Eastern Conference. So far, they are 11-13-1 vs. the spread. In their matchup against Charlotte, the New York Knicks have won 2 straight games and will look to push that mark to 3 in a row.

In their last game, New York defeated the Hawks (113-89) as 2 point favorites. Julius Randle led the team with 34 points on 52.6% shooting. The Knicks also covered the spread with the victory.

Heading into the game, Charlotte is 7-18 overall. When playing at home, Charlotte has a mark of 4-8 and a win percentage of 33%. Currently, the team is 13th in the Eastern Conference. So far, they are 12-11-2 vs. the spread. The Hornets need a win in today’s matchup vs. New York to avoid their 4th straight loss.

Charlotte most recently lost to the Nets by a score of 122-116. The team high 29 points from Terry Rozier were not enough to come home with the win. The Hornets were 10-point favorites going into the game.

The Historicals

In the most recent game between the two teams, the Knicks picked up a 134-131 win over the Hornets. However, heading into the game, New York was favored to win by 7.5 points, giving the Hornets an ATS victory. This has been the only matchup between the two teams this season. When it comes to recent head-to-head battles against the spread, the Hornets have the upper hand with a 4-1 record. But don’t be fooled. These games have been close, with an average scoring margin of just 2 points. On average, these teams put up 222 points per game, which has resulted in a 3-2 record for the over-under.

Analysis

This year, the New York offense is not only near the NBA average in points at 113.6 points per game, but they are also playing at a pace similar to the league average. So far, the Knicks are ranked 14th in possessions per contest. The Knicks have been able to put together a strong offensive attack despite sitting just 28th in 3-point shooting percentage. Overall, they are among the league leaders in attempts at 34.1 attempts per game. Defensively, the Knicks have been one of the best units in the NBA, allowing just 106.6 points per game. So far, they have done an excellent job defending the 3-point arc, allowing teams to hit just 34.2%.

Coming into today’s game, Julius Randle is the leading scorer for New York at 21.6 points per game. This season, Randle has a field goal percentage of 46.4%. The team’s second-leading scorer is Jalen Brunson at 20.5 points per contest.

For the season, Charlotte is averaging just 109.6 points per game, which is 26th in the league. This below-average production has come despite being one of the faster-paced teams in the NBA (8th). Charlotte has struggled with their 3-point shot this season, as they are currently ranked just 27th in 3-point shooting percentage at 32.4%. In addition, they are near the bottom of the league in attempts, at just 31.7 attempts per contest. Charlotte has been struggling on defense, giving up 114.89 points per game. A major issue for the team has been their defense against the three-pointer, with opponents hitting 36.29% of their attempts from beyond the arc. It’s been a rough year for the Hornets on that end of the court.

Coming into today’s game, Kelly Oubre Jr. is the leading scorer for Charlotte at 20.4 points per game. This season, Oubre Jr. has a field goal percentage of 43.6%. The team’s second-leading scorer is P.J. Washington at 15.7 points per contest.

More Picks: Get our Hawks vs. Nets 12/9/22 betting preview and free pick >>>

Betting Trends

• The Knicks are 3-1-1 ATS in their last five games overall.
• The Knicks are 17-6 ATS in their last 23 road games.
• The Hornets are 6-0-1 ATS in their last seven games following a straight-up loss.
• The Hornets are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five games playing on one day of rest.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

The Hornets have lost four out of their last five but are a team that seemingly always plays well on their home floor. This is our strongest play of the night, assuming their normal starting lineup is intact!