2 min read • February 16, 2022
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Advantage: Knicks
The Nets and Knicks are 2 of the worst teams in the NBA in the last month, as both have gone 3-12 in their last 15 games while battling various injuries and interpersonal quarrels.
The New York City marquee matchup in Madison Square Garden will be without possibly its 3 biggest stars in Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and RJ Barrett.
Durant will miss his 16th straight game while rehabbing a sprained left MCL that he is expected to return from sometime after the all-star break.
His running mate will miss his 2nd straight of 4 games because of vaccine mandates in New York City and Toronto, leaving Patty Mills and new Net Seth Curry – who have over/unders listed at 14.5 and 16.5 points, respectively – to handle the perimeter scoring load against the Knicks.
The Nets got back LaMarcus Aldridge and Nic Claxton early this week, giving them greater reinforcements inside.
Barrett is out for his 4th straight game with a sprained ankle, joining Derrick Rose on the sideline.
Otherwise, however, the Knicks bring their full roster, led by Julius Randle, Kemba Walker, and Evan Fournier.
Whether or not Tom Thibodeau will use his full complement of role players remains to be seen.
The Knicks are favored by 4.5 points, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
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