Philadelphia 76ers at NY Knicks

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Knicks (-3.5)
Game Total Line: (196.5)
(wagering lines available at Betonline.com)

NBA Atlantic Division contenders clash when the 5-4 New York Knicks host the 6-2 Philadelphia 76ers at the Garden Wednesday night (7:30 pm Eastern).

This is the first of three meetings this abbreviated season between these longtime rivals.

The Sixers are off to a good start to this season, winning six of their first eight games, including their last five in a row. Monday night Philly shot 50 percent from the field in beating Indiana 96-86. The 76ers have outrebounded each of their last three opponents, and held them to an average of 74 PPG. And Philly has been a bit of a cash cow, going 6-1-1 vs. the point spreads so far.

The Knicks, meanwhile, have already experienced some ups and downs this season. They beat Boston on Christmas Day to open the season, then lost four of their next five games. But now they've won three in a row, after beating Charlotte Monday night 91-87. But they couldn't cover the spread as 10-point home favorites.

In fact the Knicks have been rather unkind to their financial backers this season, going 2-7 ATS.

So through Monday's play the 76ers lead the Atlantic Division by a game and a half over the second-place Knicks.

Statistically speaking Philly is shooting 47.5 percent from the floor this season, holding opponents to 39 percent shooting, and outrebounding foes by a 46-44 per-game average.

New York, on the other hand, is shooting just 42 percent from the field, has allowed opponents to shoot 45.5 percent, and has been outrebounded by a 44-40 per-game margin.

Philly is 3-5 on the over/unders so far this season, as Sixers games have averaged 186 points.

New York is 3-6 on the totals, as Knicks games have averaged 190 points.

Last season these teams split their four games, each winning once on the other's home court. And three of those four games played under their posted totals, as the games averaged 202 points.

Looking long-term, NBA futures boards are listing the Sixers at right around 25/1 to win the Eastern Conference championship and 50/1 to win the NBA title.

New York is getting 10/1 to win the East and 20/1 to win the NBA championship at Bovado

Point Spread Pick

The 76ers being are in a 3rd game in 3 nights scenario and on the road, so we look for the Knicks to finally get there first home spread cover.
Take the NY Knicks -3.5 at Bovada