What team did I most undervalue at
the beginning of the year? The New York Knicks. Are they for real? Can they
contend? I did a lot of digging this morning, re-watched last nights game, and
have a strong opinion about the rest of the regular season for them.
Basketball is just better when the
big markets have good teams, it's not up for debate, it’s just the way it is.
The Knicks are playing really, really good right now, that's also not up for
debate. They rank 1st and 2nd in team offensive and defensive efficiency and
they've played good teams like Miami and San Antonio. They can overcome their
best offensive player only scoring 9 points, and they still have two all-star
level players sidelined with knee injuries. Iman Shumpert from Georgia Tech,
who was first team all-rookie last year, is participating in light workouts and
should return in a little over a month. When players like he and Amare
Stoudamire are looking for minutes to go along with a very successful lineup
already, it will be fine. Well, it will be fine if they are winning. Shumpert
is even quoted as saying exactly that, “As long as we win, we’re happy.”
The good news for Knicks fans is, in
my opinion, they are for real, thus should keep winning and keep everyone happy
(fans and players alike). They have great offensive options in Melo and JR
Smith, defensive stoppers like Tyson Chandler and Ronnie Brewer, and a couple
veterans to help both sides of the ball in Jason Kidd and Marcus Camby. Typing
all these names means something else, they are deep too! When playing back to
back games like tonight, their depth will be key. My point is, get excited
Knicks fans, it's gonna be a fun ride to the playoffs, what happens when they
get there may be another story, but for now - rejoice!
From a betting perspective, the
Knicks are playing in Memphis tonight after a very big win for the franchise,
catching six points, but I would lean to the OVER, just like the big bettors
are, already moving the line three points from its opener. Currently 192, I see
this as another big challenge for the Knicks, but a back and forth battle will
be good for pace, which Memphis ranks top 10 in, and top 5 for offensive
efficiency.
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