With the 118-111 win over the Charlotte Hornets Tuesday, the Wizards snapped a three-game skid. John Wall, as always, led the way, registering 23 points, 13 assists, and six steals. Second-string big man, Jason Smith, meanwhile, scored 17 and hit a season-high five threes.
Those three losses aren’t exactly a big deal since they are a likely lock to the third or fourth seed in the East, which meant a home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
The Wizards are on the verge of sweeping the season series against the Knicks. They have beaten them thrice this season, and recorded 116.3 PPG and 11.7 treys per game on 53.3 percent shooting in doing so, all of which are one of their highest numbers versus any team this season. Wall was also in his usual stat-stuffing ways in those meetings – along with 22.3 points and 12.3 assists, he only turns the ball over twice per contest.
The Wiz are only 2-6 SU and ATS in their last eight games on the road. However, considering they have six consecutive victories at Madison Square Garden (SU and ATS), and that they are one of the top eight teams overall in scoring (109.4 PPG) and offensive efficiency, they should be able to bag another W.
For the Knicks, who have dropped 35 of their last 49 games after a decent 16-13 start, the off-season couldn’t get any closer. They’ve been a mess once again.
The Knickerbockers are 23rd in points allowed (108 PAPG) and 26th in defensive efficiency, and despite having Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis, and the recently-shut down Derrick Rose (knee) powering the attack for most of the year, the team could only rank 18th in scoring (104.5 PPG) and overall offense. It’s all a good indicator of how underachieving their season is.
We should see them get bounced by the visiting Wizards, especially with Anthony (missed four of last seven games) and Porzingis (missed last Tuesday’s game) possibly trying to rest early. Also, the Knicks’ production on the three meetings are on a decline, particularly in points, assists, threes, and field goal shooting.
New York is 5-9 in its last 14 games at home (6-8 ATS).
