The New York Knicks (12-49) visit Utah to take on the Jazz (26-36) in what should be a low-scoring game. Action begins at 9:00 pm ET on Tuesday, Mar. 10 and can be seen on MSG and ROOT-NW.
The Jazz played well in their last game, topping the Nets 95-88 on Sunday. Gordon Hayward was the game’s leading scorer with 24 points on 7-for-15 shooting. The Knicks, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after the 92-86 loss against the Pacers on Saturday. Andrea Bargnani led the game in scoring with 21 points.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the NBA’s slowest-paced teams square off. Utah ranks 30th in the league in possessions per game (92.7), while New York is 28th (94.1).
This is the second game of the year between these two teams, with the Jazz winning the first matchup 102-100. Carmelo Anthony was the top overall scorer in the game with 46 points.
The odds for Utah and New York are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. The Jazz have gone 26-36 Straight Up (SU) and 35-26-1 Against The Spread (ATS). Over their last 10 games, they have had success covering the spread (7-2-1). Opposing teams know they’re in for a battle when they play Utah’s stingy defense. The Jazz are one of the top teams when it comes to defense, allowing just 96.0 points per game. Utah will look to take advantage of the Knicks and their propensity to foul. New York ranks 28th in the league in fouls, averaging 22.2 per game.
As for their opponent, the Knicks have a record of 24-35-2 ATS and 12-49 SU. Against the Western Conference, New York is 4-17 SU and 8-12-1 ATS.
With the Jazz’s last win against New York, Utah moved closer to evening up its record against New York. It now stands at 4-6 SU over the last 10 meetings. With a 9-1 record, the Knicks also have the advantage ATS. New York held the edge in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers one time, while Utah was never able to do so in their most recent 10 games.
Predictions: SU Winner – UTA, ATS Winner – UTA
Notes
New York averages 92.6 points per game, placing the team just 29th in the league. Utah ranks second in points allowed, giving up 96.0 points per game.
New York puts up an average of 93.7 points per away game (ranked 28th), while Utah allows 95.6 points per home game (ranked sixth).
When New York gives up fewer than 100 points, it has a poor 10-18 record this season. Utah also has a subpar record when it scores fewer than 100 (12-28).
The New York Knicks have an abysmal 2-31 record in games where they have allowed at least 100 points. The Utah Jazz are 14-8 when they hit the century mark.
The Knicks have an offensive rating of 98.3 (ranked 29th), while the Jazz rank 19th for their defensive rating of 103.5.
Utah has an average field goal percentage of 44.9%. New York is a subpar 3-35 when opponents have a similar or higher field goal percentage.
On average, Utah attempts 20.9 three pointers and New York attempts 20.1 per game. In games where the teams have 25 or more three point attempts, the Jazz are even at 8-8 while the Knicks have an abysmal 1-12 record.
Utah has an assist to turnover ratio of 1.40 this season (ranked 27th). New York ranks higher with an A/TO of 1.58 (ranked 17th).
The New York Knicks are one of the worst rebounding teams in the league with just 40.3 per game. Ranked 15th, the Utah Jazz average 43.6 rebounds.
The New York Knicks rank 16th in offensive rebounding, while the Utah Jazz rank 22nd in defensive rebounding.
Utah has forced an average turnover percentage of 13.1% this season. New York has an underachieving 6-31 record when its TOV% is 13.1% or higher.
