Knicks vs Warriors NBA Pick: Dangerous Playoff Teams Meet in Golden State (Mar 15)

• The New York Knicks (42-23, 3rd in the East) travel to Golden State to play the Warriors (38-28, 6th in the West)
• New York is trying to get by without star guard Jalen Brunson; they have won 2 straight
• Golden State is on a tear having won 11 of 12, striking fear into the entire NBA

The Knicks visit the Warriors in a battle between two dangerous playoff teams. New York was staggered when Brunson sprained his ankle, losing three straight, including one at home, 114-102, to Golden State. But they beat the Kings and Trail Blazers to get back on track.

The Warriors have no such problems at the moment. Since acquiring Jimmy Butler, they have lit up the scoreboard. Their veteran stars Steph Curry and Draymond Green look rejuvenated, and they have another championship on their minds.

Knicks Are Fighting Hard Without Their Captain

New York avoided disaster when Brunson was injured and he is not expected to be out for the long term. Still, they need to hold the fort until his return. Fortunately, they are ensconced in the 3 spot in the East.

In their last game against Portland, Mikal Bridges hit a buzzer-beater in overtime to get New York the much-needed win 114-113. He scored 33 overall.

The Knicks have had a top-5 defense since Brunson was hurt. For the season, they are sixth in the league in PPG. Their 3-point shooting is in the bottom third of the league. They cannot get into a shootout with Golden State, so they need to rely on their defense, clutch play from the likes of Bridges, and tough and gutsy play from Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns is dealing with a balky knee.

Warriors Are Creeping Toward the Top of the West

Every team in the Western Conference aside from the Thunder is looking in their rear-view mirror to see the Warriors bearing down on them. In their last game, they blew out the Kings 130-104 in a total team effort with eight players in double figures. Draymond Green led the way with 23 points.

Acquiring Butler has turned them into an offensive machine. In the past 10 games, they are averaging more than 122 PPG. That is nearly 10 more than their season average. Their defense has also improved slightly. As always, they are deadly from 3-point range, ranked fourth in the league. They are also fourth in rebounds.

In their win in New York on March 4, Curry dropped 28 and was 5 of 9 from 3-point range. Butler and Brandin Podziemski both had 19.

Knicks vs Warriors Pick: New York Will Hang Tight With Streaking Golden State

The Knicks have been fighting hard without Brunson. Despite the Warriors’ scorching hot streak, expect a tough game with New York clamping down on Golden State. The Knicks will keep the score within striking distance even if they lose on the road.