Because of the recent flood of football, it’s been awhile since we’ve been able to check in on the Knicks. Mike Miller’s rejuvenated but often-overmatched roster continues to bring effort and intensity as it heads into Tuesday night’s meeting with LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center.
Sunday’s 135-132 loss to the Clippers at the same site easily covered a 10-point spread. That brought the Knicks to 9-5 against the number since head coach David Fizdale was fired and replaced by Miller. The Knicks are 6-8 straight up in Miller’s games, compared to 4-18 before the change.
When things are going well for the new Knicks, that typically shows up in the “muscle” stats of points in the paint and rebound differential. Let’s pick up with their bullying of the Nets the day after Christmas.
- Knicks (+7) upset the Nets, 94-82, winning points in the paint by a shocking 36-14 margin, and rebounding, 66-59. Yes, the Nets played like a team that hadn’t finished opening presents yet. The road ’dog took full advantage.
- Knicks (-3¹/₂) won at Washington, 107-100. This was important because it avenged a home loss to the Wizards five nights earlier. The Knicks won points in the paint, 44-38, and rebounds, 64-59.
- Knicks (+4) upset Portland, 117-93, at the Garden on New Year’s night. Another game in which the opponent seemed to have its mind elsewhere. The Knicks won points in the paint, 54-32, and rebounding, 66-53. It’s obvious that the Knicks are showing up to play, and will aggressively exploit disinterested opponents. Handicappers and bettors must remember that when the Knicks aren’t matched up against disinterested opponents!
- Knicks (+7) lost at Phoenix, 120-112, just missing a fourth straight point-spread cover. The Knicks still did well with their new “identity” stats, taking points in the paint, 48-46, and rebounds, 61-55. Because of weaknesses in other areas (sloppy offense and shaky long-range shooting), it looks as if the Knicks need to really own those stats to win outright.
- Knicks (+10) lost at the Clippers, 135-132, eking out a 50-48 win on points in the paint but losing rebounding, 42-37.
Moving forward, monitoring points in the paint and rebounding differentials will help bettors evaluate potential fatigue through an imminent gauntlet. From tipoff of the Lakers game through Jan. 29 vs. Memphis at the Garden, the Knicks will play 13 times in 23 days. There won’t be a single stretch with two consecutive days off against opponents including Miami, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, the Lakers (again), Toronto and the revenge-minded Nets.
Bettors will need to think about the nexus of “Knicks fatigue” vs. “opponent disinterest.” When fresh, the Knicks have shown they can cover against opponents mentally taking the night off. Staying fresh is about to get difficult. Issues with poor 3-point shooting and offensive turnovers should worsen with tired legs. Handicap accordingly.
