It goes without saying that the Nets look nothing like what they did even just a couple of weeks ago when these teams tussled in Brooklyn. New York, in contrast, also looks different but made moves before the trade deadline to improve its squad.

The host Knicks are pegged as -2.5 favourites on the NBA odds, with the over-under established at 220.5.

Nets vs. Knicks NBA Betting Odds

Brooklyn and New York have already faced each other twice this season, both times east of the river that goes by that name. While the Nets captured both contests, the elephant in the room is that they had a vastly different lineup. As recently as Jan. 28 the Nets took care of business 122-115, with Kyrie Irving leading the way courtesy of 32 points. They won’t be able to rely on him anymore.

The Nets haven’t fared too badly ATS in recent weeks, although, once again, there’s that major caveat. They had covered four consecutive spreads until Saturday night when they fell to Philadelphia in an honourable 101-98 defeat. Life without Kyrie has been trying as far as wins and losses go, with Brooklyn 1-3 so far.

New York is rather hit-or-miss regarding spreads. Over the past 10 challenges, they’ve gone 5-4-1, with the latter figure courtesy of a Push versus Utah over the weekend. The team continues to somewhat underperform at home. Through 30 games they have only tallied a 15-15 record, which usually isn’t good enough for a squad trying to make its mark in a playoff push. That said, even though the home record is .500, it’s actually improved, seeing as the Knicks are 4-2 in their last six contests played in front of their fans.

Brooklyn Nets

All things considered, Saturday night’s showing against a much stronger Philadelphia side was commendable, even if it didn’t end the way they’d have liked.

To no one’s surprise, the Brooklyn crowd gave former Net James Harden a cold reception when he was introduced. To the player’s credit, he proved to be calm and collected, putting in a decent evening of work to the tune of 29 points, six rebounds and 6 assists (although he did end with a -1 points differential). Joel Embiid was his usual terrorizing self, stomping his way to 37 points off of 12-18 shooting, to say nothing of his 13 rebounds. The hosts huffed and puffed as best they could with their new lineup and even led for most of the night. Spencer Dinwiddie thought he had sent the game to overtime with a Hail Mary three in the dying moments, but an official review cancelled it out, concluding the contest 101-98 in Philly’s favour.

New York Knicks

The Utah Jazz came to Madison Square Garden on Saturday, themselves hoping to find consistency during the final stretch of the regular season. New York was ready to defend home court and show off its new weapon Josh Hart.

It turned out to be an even match, with the sides going back and forth all night. As per usual, New York’s offensive numbers were born largely from the efforts of Jalen Brunson (who was terrific, netting 38), Julius Randle (31 points, with some critical late three-point shots despite going 3-11 overall), and RJ Barrett’s 20. Josh Hart didn’t start but pitched in with 11 points, seven rebounds and four assists, a couple of them rather slick. The Knicks ground out the win as the fourth quarter winded down, grabbing essential offensive rebounds, demonstrating hat they wanted it just a little bit more than the visitors. Make the final 126-120.

NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Nets vs. Knicks?