Knicks Heavily Favored To Get Another Win Over Hard-Luck Spurs

Julius Randle #30 and RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks — Julius Randle is expected to lead the Knicks anew to another win over a struggling Spurs five. Getty Images | Emilee Chinn

KEY POINTS

The New York Knicks try to go for a third-straight win against the San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs will try to snap their losing skid against a streaking Knicks quintet
The Spurs need to find a way to contain Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson

The New York Knicks are slated to host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, January 4 at the iconic Madison Square Garden and are the big favorites to snag their third win in a row.

The Knicks are coming off a big win over the Phoenix Suns on Monday, January 2, 102-83, with Julius Randle leading the way with 28 points and 16 rebounds.

That game also marked the return of Jalen Brunson for the Knicks, finishing with 24 points and six assists.

It is worth noting as well that the Knicks were coming off a big 108-88 win over the Houston Rockets before that.

Moreover, the Knicks are aiming to get back at the Spurs who defeated them last Thursday, December 29, 115-122.

This was despite the 41-point effort of Randle as well as the 36-point explosion of Immanuel Quickley.

But a key player missing in that loss was Brunson.

With the 26-year-old back in harness, the Spurs will need to exert more effort in a department that has not exactly been their cup of tea–defense.

Even though head coach Gregg Popovich has been known to employ good defensive measures, such has not been the case for the Spurs this season.

They have struggled to clamp down on the offensive guns of opposing teams, meaning that they are likely to encounter rough sailing with Randle and Brunson leading New York.

Their woeful defense was evident in their loss to the Brooklyn Nets, 103-139.

The Spurs allowed the Nets to shoot a ridiculous 62.4% from the field.

Offensively, they relied on Keldon Johnson who finished with 22 points and four rebounds in that loss.

Devin Vassell chipped in 14 points to help, but the Spurs need more offensively if they are to keep in step with the Knicks.

The Knicks are 16th in scoring in the league with 114.1 points.

Defensively, they are also allowing opponents 111.3 points per game, placing them ninth in the league in scoring defense.

The Knicks will continue to be without Obi Toppin (knee) and RJ Barrett (finger).

In addition, Derrick Rose is also listed day-to-day with a knee injury of his own.

Heading into Wednesday's matchup, the Knicks are -8.5 favorites over the Spurs who are at +8.5.

The game can be watched via NBA League Pass or on fubo TV at 7:30 PM ET.