Posted at 1:00 PM EST. Odds subject to change.

Pinnacle +110 BET365 +100 Sportsinteraction +100 888Sport +100

New York 1H over Denver

Best Odds: +110 at Pinnacle

7:40 PM EST. We're sure you've heard or seen that we've won 6 straight NBA free picks. While we realize that's very good, you should also realize that it won't continue. No streaks continue in sports betting, but we'll try our damndest to keep it going as long as we can. Speaking of very good, the Knicks have been one of the best teams in the association since the ball dropped 25 days ago.

The Knicks are clearly better off without RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, two guys they probably counted on too much to anchor their offense. The new-look Knicks, with Swiss-army-knife OG Anunoby, have only lost twice since January 1. Their record since Jan 1? 10-2. And it hasn't been against cupcakes, either. Led by a suffocating defense that ranks #1 in the NBA during the same span, New York bested top-notch programs like the Timberwolves and 76ers in January, and they've properly smashed lesser teams by an average winning margin of 15.2 points per game in their 8 other victories. 

And even with backup center Isaiah Hartenstein injured (he's questionable tonight), the Knicks certainly seem like they've found their identity. Jalen Brunson (26.6 ppg, 47.5% from the field this season) has been their star, virtually unstoppable in clutch moments. OG Anunoby is a perfect fit for hard-nosed coach Tom Thibodeau, who always expects max-effort from his team on both ends of the court. That also enables Josh Hart to come off the bench, which gives the Knicks a major advantage against teams with limited depth. Julius Randle fits well as a #2 (surely not as a #1, as we've learned), and other supporting cast members like Donte DiVincenzo and Quinten Grimes are consistent and used smartly.

The Knicks are also in the middle of one of the most convenient scheduling situations we've seen this season. They've been in New York City since January 15 and will remain in the Big Apple until Monday. After one quick away game at Charlotte (that's likely a W), they'll return to Madison Square Garden for six more home games. If you're counting, that's only one true away game for nearly a month. It doesn't get much better than that.

The defending champs cannot relate. Denver has played well and remains one of the premiere teams in the NBA, but Thursday is the final leg of a long, arduous road trip that's lasted 10 days. Tonight is also their 4th game in 6 days. An 82-game schedule presents remarkably difficult situations for every team at various parts of the season, and this is undoubtedly one of the toughest stretches for the Nuggets. After facing New York tonight, they have three straight clashes with elite outfits: Philly, Milwaukee, and OKC. 

Maybe the champions find a way to rally late, but we love the Knicks to take the lead early on their home floor. New York has been the victor in 8 of their last 10 first halves, including 5 straight first half moneyline wins at MSG. Lastly, we can't ignore that Denver has yet to face the new-look Knicks this season. While the champs are largely the same team, composed as well as any roster in the association, New York is a 2.0 version of who they once were. That can be jarring for any opponent, as we've witnessed plenty over the last month. Expect the home team to play at their best tonight; there's a reason the first half is a virtual pick-em.

Farley

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