Knicks vs Spurs NBA Pick: New York is Heavily Favored on the Road (Mar 19)

• The Knicks (43-24, 3rd in the East) visit the San Antonio Spurs (28-39, 13th in the West)
• New York has found its footing without Jalen Brunson having won 3 of 4
• San Antonio is 5-10 since returning from the All-Star break and is a longshot to make the Play-In Tournament

After the Knicks’ three-game losing streak against the tougher California teams, the Warriors, Lakers, and Clippers, New York regained its bearings with a blowout win over the Kings in Sacramento, a last-second overtime win over the Trail Blazers in Portland, a hard-fought loss in Golden State, and a big win over the Heat. They are essentially set as the number 3 seed in the East and have time and wiggle room to let Brunson fully heal from his ankle injury and be ready for the playoffs.

San Antonio is on the outskirts of potentially making the Play-In Tournament, but their season is essentially over. Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox are both out for the season. The team has lost 10 of 15 in the second half and will be hoping for their past luck in the NBA Draft Lottery.

Towns, Bridges, Hart, and Robinson Step Up for New York

It took the Knicks a few games to gather themselves after Brunson’s injury, but they have hit their stride. In their 116-95 win over Miami, Mikal Bridges led the way with 28. In the previous win over Portland, Bridges hit a game-winning 3 at the buzzer in overtime. Karl-Anthony Towns added 23 points and 7 rebounds. Josh Hart had a triple-double with 12 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists.

Sandwiched between the wins over Portland and Miami was a fiery battle (and loss) in Golden State, during which Towns verbally sparred throughout with league-best agitator Draymond Green.

The Knicks are in the top 6 in the league in scoring and the top 12 defensively. They have struggled on the boards this season, but Robinson’s return from injury is helping in that area.

Undermanned Spurs Know Their Fate

Top to bottom the Spurs 2024-25 season has been a struggle. Since they drafted Wembanyama first overall in 2023, they have had a slow path to getting back into the playoffs. Team president and head coach Gregg Popovich suffered a stroke in November and will not return to the sideline this season. Trade deadline acquisition De’Aaron Fox is out for the year after pinkie surgery.

Still, all things considered, 28-39 and a lingering outside shot at the Play-In Tournament is not that bad. In their last game, the Lakers won going away 125-109. Stephon Castile scored 23 in the loss. Devin Vassell added 18. LeBron James did not play for LA.

Given the situation, will they waive Chris Paul so he can go play for a contender?

San Antonio is middle of the pack in scoring at 114 PPG. They are in the lower third in points allowed per game. They are a poor rebounding team. Losing Wembanyama makes that area of their game worse.

Knicks vs Spurs Pick: New York Picks Scores an Easy Win

San Antonio is simply too depleted and New York is adapting to life without Brunson for the game to be close. The Knicks will win this game going away getting contributions from their entire roster as they have been during their recent string of good play.