New York Knicks @ Indiana Pacers
Player News
Out: M. Robinson
Questionable: M. Turner
Market
Opening: -1.5 NYK / 235.5
Current: -2.5 NYK / 239.5
Recent Form
NYK L10: 7-3 SU / 5-5 ATS / 6-4 OU
IND L10: 7-3 SU / 5-5 ATS / 6-4 OU
Trends
NYK: 14-3 SU after a loss / 14-6 SU as away favourite / 14-9-1 to the over as away team
IND: 14-8 SU at home / 5-0 to the over as home underdog
Analysis
With the Knicks in a major bounce back spot that they have thrived in all season, we expect them to come out aggressive on the road against a team that beat them back in November by 11 points in this same building.
Both teams hold a significant edge in the paint offensively, ranking in the top six in points scored inside. However, the Knicks have a slight defensive advantage due to their superior size, making it more difficult for opponents to score at the rim. The Pacers’ ability to match up in this area will largely depend on the availability of Myles Turner, whose presence is crucial in protecting the interior and limiting New York’s high-percentage looks near the basket.
On the perimeter, the Knicks have stronger individual defenders, with Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby capable of locking down assignments in one-on-one situations. Despite this, the Pacers' high tempo—ranking sixth in pace—could be a mitigating factor. Their constant ball movement and transition play can offset New York’s defensive edge, preventing them from setting up in their half-court schemes and forcing the Knicks to defend in space rather than in isolation situations.
Jalen Brunson will take on the primary playmaking role for the Knicks, while Tyrese Haliburton orchestrates the Pacers’ offense. Both teams excel in taking care of the ball and making the extra pass, ranking inside the top six in assist-to-turnover ratio. This suggests a well-executed, fast-paced contest with efficient shot creation on both ends, leading to a game that is likely to feature fluid offensive sequences and sustainable shooting tendencies.
Detroit Pistons @ Chicago Bulls
Player News
Out: L. Ball, A Sanogo, J. Ivey
Market
Opening: -3 DET / 236
Current: -4.5 DET / 237
Recent Form
DET L10: 5-5 SU / 5-5 ATS / 5-5 OU
CHI L10: 4-6 SU / 4-6 ATS / 6-4 OU
Trends
DET: 10-14-2 ATS after a win / 3-8 ATS as home favourite
CHI: 17-13 ATS after a loss / 23-16 to the over as underdog
Analysis
The Pistons enter this game on a two-game winning streak, but consistency has been an issue for them all season. They have only managed to win three straight games twice, often struggling to maintain momentum after multiple victories. This is reflected in their 10-14-2 record against the spread (ATS) following a single win, suggesting a tendency to regress in these spots. On the other hand, the Bulls have shown resilience after losses, boasting a positive ATS record in bounce-back situations. With two consecutive defeats against elite competition, they will be motivated to respond with a stronger performance.
The addition of Josh Giddey over the summer has been a game-changer for the Bulls, elevating their assist ratio to the fifth-best in the league. Their improved ball movement has made them more effective against teams with weaker defensive ratings, and the Pistons fit that mold with a 113.1 defensive rating, ranking outside the top 10. This matchup presents an opportunity for Chicago to capitalize on their offensive flow and exploit defensive lapses.
With both teams ranking in the top six in fast-break points, transition play is expected to be a major factor in this game. The Bulls hold a slight defensive edge, though the gap is not significant, setting the stage for a competitive battle that could go down to the wire.
From a shooting perspective, the Bulls are heavily reliant on the three-point shot, ranking eighth in three-point percentage and third in total three-pointers made per game. This presents a favorable matchup against a Pistons team that struggles to defend the perimeter, allowing opponents to shoot the fifth-highest percentage from beyond the arc.
Chicago’s offensive edge should allow them to keep this game competitive throughout. They rank seventh in points per game, while the Pistons sit just outside the top half in points allowed. Given the offensive advantages and favorable matchups, the Bulls should be in a strong position to stay within striking distance for the entire contest.
Memphis Grizzlies @ Phoenix Suns
Player News
Out: M. Bagley, J Davis. C Spencer, B Beal, C Martin
Questionable: V. Micic
Market
Opening: -1 MEM / 241.5
Current: -4.5 MEM / 246
Recent Form
MEM L10: 8-2 SU / 6-4 ATS / 6-4 OU
PHX L10: 5-5 SU / 4-6 ATS / 6-4 OU
Trends
MEM: 8-2 SU as away favourite / 13-3 ATS after a loss / 20-5 to the over as away team
PHX: 8-17 ATS at home / 6-1 to the under with 2-3 days rest
Analysis
The Grizzlies enter this matchup looking to rebound from a rare loss, and this spot presents an ideal opportunity for them to do so against a Suns team that has been consistently overvalued at home. As noted in our trends, Phoenix holds a poor 8-17 record against the spread (ATS) when playing at home, while Memphis has been highly effective in bounce-back situations, going 13-3 ATS following a defeat. The market continues to price the Suns as a stronger home team than results suggest, giving Memphis a potential edge in this matchup.
This game has all the makings of a high-scoring affair, with Memphis holding a 20-5 record to the over when playing on the road. The return of Kevin Durant to the Suns' lineup should further boost scoring opportunities, helping Phoenix keep pace with the Grizzlies’ high-tempo attack. With both teams possessing significant offensive firepower, the potential for an up-tempo game with high shot volume is strong.
One of the key stylistic battles in this game is pace, as Memphis plays at the fastest tempo in the league, while the Suns rank in the bottom 10 in this category. This difference could favor the Grizzlies, as their up-tempo style creates extra possessions and allows them to generate more scoring opportunities. Their efficiency in the paint is another advantage, ranking second in the NBA in points in the paint per game. Meanwhile, the Suns struggle in this area, ranking in the bottom three offensively while allowing paint points at the 10th-lowest rate. Memphis' ability to consistently attack the interior should give them an edge in offensive sustainability, making them well-positioned to control the tempo and create high-percentage looks throughout the game.