Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NBA match.
The Washington Wizards are ending December on a positive note. They secured two victories against the Charlotte Hornets and managed to put up a fight against the New York Knicks. The Knicks are firmly holding a spot in the top three of the Eastern Conference, showcasing a formidable attacking prowess. However, their packed schedule, with five games in seven days, might impact the team's physical condition. Their last victory was far from perfect, as the Knicks had to settle the match in overtime. Fatigue and lack of rotation could play against the New York Knicks in this matchup.
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards have shown decent results early on, winning the first quarter in four of their last five games. Justin Champagnie is posting impressive numbers, with 31 points and 10 rebounds in their last encounter with the Knicks. In that game, the Wizards hit 44.7% of their shots from beyond the arc, yet it wasn't enough to maintain their lead. Alex Sarr has also been consistent, scoring over 11 points in seven consecutive games. However, the Wizards struggle with depth and injuries, notably missing Jordan Poole, who averages 21.3 points — resulting in just 3 victories in their previous 25 games.
New York Knicks
The Knicks continue to be a leading force in the Eastern Conference, thanks to the consistent performances of their star players. Jalen Brunson is the key player for the club, with averages of 25.8 points, 7.7 assists, and 3 rebounds per game. In the previous match against the Washington Wizards, his phenomenal 55 points pushed the game into overtime. Over the last seven games, the Knicks have scored an average of 125+ points. However, there’s been a noticeable drop in shooting accuracy; in the last matchup, they missed 75% of their three-pointers (30 out of 40). The busy schedule is likely to affect the team’s efficiency.
Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks Prediction
Considering that the New York Knicks are playing their fifth match in seven days, and the Washington Wizards have shown some success recently, it’s reasonable to expect the capital team to put up a fight. The Wizards consistently take the first quarter and are displaying progress with their young players. However, the difference in class between the clubs remains evident, especially when considering the Knicks' roster depth and experience. Therefore, we’ll take the Washington Wizards with a handicap of +14.5.
