Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NBA match.
The third-placed team in the Western Conference, the Memphis Grizzlies, visit Madison Square Garden to take on the third-placed team in the East, the New York Knicks. Both teams rely on an offensive style of basketball, promising an exciting, high-scoring game. The visitors will aim to prove their current form is no fluke and showcase their readiness for the playoffs.
New York Knicks
The Knicks are having an excellent season and have been solid at home, winning 15 of their 23 games at Madison Square Garden. Currently sitting third in the East, they boast one of the league's most efficient offences, averaging 117.2 points per game (fifth in the NBA). The starting five—Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby—are heavily relied upon, each averaging over 35 minutes and contributing at least 14 points per game. However, the Knicks’ defence has faltered slightly, allowing opponents to score 113 points per game on average.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are in sensational form, riding a six-game winning streak. During this run, they’ve averaged 118.6 points per game and currently hold the league's best offence, scoring 123.7 points per game on the season. Jaren Jackson Jr. has been particularly impressive, scoring 19+ points in 12 of his last 13 games. However, the Grizzlies’ defensive stats are less encouraging—they allow 115 points per game, ranking 21st in the league.
New York Knicks vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction
While the Knicks have a strong roster, their over-reliance on the starting five and a lacklustre defence could work against them in this matchup. The Memphis Grizzlies, boasting the league's most potent offence, are well-positioned to exploit these weaknesses. Given both teams' scoring tendencies and defensive vulnerabilities, this game promises to be a high-scoring affair.
