Lakers vs Knicks Free Pick, NBA Free Pick & Predictions 2/1/25

J.A. Cavalier
2 days ago
2 min read

NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS

Lakers vs Knicks Free Pick

The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Madison Square Garden tonight for a primetime Sunday night showdown against a red-hot New York Knicks team in one of the marquee matchups on the slate. Both teams enter with identical records—Los Angeles at 29–18 and New York at 30–18—but their trajectories and situational edges tell very different stories.

New York has been one of the league’s most reliable home teams and comes into this game riding a five-game winning streak. At Madison Square Garden, the Knicks have consistently imposed their will through defensive intensity, physicality, and disciplined halfcourt execution, turning their home floor into a difficult environment for even elite opponents.

The Lakers, meanwhile, continue to search for consistency away from home. While their ceiling remains high, road performances have been uneven, particularly against teams capable of controlling tempo and limiting transition opportunities. Facing a Knicks squad playing with confidence and cohesion presents a significant test in a high-profile setting.

From a betting perspective, this matchup centers on momentum versus pedigree. New York’s current form and home dominance provide stability, while Los Angeles brings star power and volatility that can swing games quickly. How well the Lakers handle the Garden atmosphere—and whether the Knicks can extend their defensive control against a talented opponent—will ultimately shape the outcome of this primetime clash.

Do you want more NBA free picks from J.A. Cavalier?!

FREE PICK Under 230.5

New York has quietly turned Madison Square Garden into a defensive grindhouse—six of their last ten at home have gone Under—and they play slow on purpose, sitting 24th in pace at 98.9, which bleeds possessions like a leaky faucet. Yes, the Lakers can explode with Luka and LeBron, but the Knicks’ scheme is built to take away the rim—top six in effective field-goal percentage allowed at the basket—and force you into half-court math problems. If New York dictates tempo, this turns into long possessions, tough twos, and late-clock shots. Public sees primetime and star power and thinks fireworks; sharps see clock control and defensive leverage.