The Knicks are stepping up in class level. With the exception of a game against Dallas, which they lost, the Knicks have been facing some weak opposition for weeks. Opponents included Washington, Portland, Memphis, Orlando, Houston, Washington (again) Toronto and Brooklyn. The defending champions are on a different level. The Knicks are 7-14 against the spread against winning teams.

A small pointspread means that that a victory should also result in pointspread cover. The Nuggets have won 29 of 40 straight up when favored. They have won 3 in a row and this will make 4 straight.