LA LAKERS @ NEW YORK (NYK -9.5, 225.5)
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LAKERS @ KNICKS 2/1/25
In what's shaping up to be a classic contest this season, the New York Knicks are set to host the Los Angeles Lakers, marking their first meeting of the year. The game comes at an auspicious time for the Knicks, now under the leadership of Jalen Brunson, who's been likened in skill to none other than LeBron James. Many relate Brunson’s rise in the NBA to the early days of James' illustrious career. The Knicks now see in Brunson the superstar they've craved since the advent of James' entry into the NBA.
Saturday night’s game is the climax for the Knicks' four-game home stand, which the team hopes to close on an undefeated note. Brunson, stands poised to spearhead this perfect finish. The Knicks have won five straight and didn’t have to leave the city to beat Brooklyn, which was one of the five wins.
The Knicks' have some serious momentum, especially with Brunson's phenomenal performance still fresh in memory. Brunson ripped off 30 points and 15 assists to lead the Knicks to a 122-112 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.
This season has seen Brunson rise to superstar status. In his third season as Knicks' captain, he's been consistently delivering high-caliber performances. With an average 25.9 points and a career-best 7.5 assists per game, Brunson has helped keep Knicks’ playoff dreams alive.
Wednesday’s game showcased Brunson's brilliance when he marshaled an 18-point surge in the third quarter, paving the way for the Knicks' victory. He became the fourth player in Knicks' history to score over 30 points and 15 assists in one game.
On the opposing front, LeBron James of the Lakers continues to inspire despite a persistent foot injury. Celebrating his 40th birthday in December, James still boasts an average of 23.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game. Even though he had to pull out early in their last game against the Wizards due to his ailment, James managed to score 24 points and 11 assists, contributing to a 134-96 victory for the Lakers.
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COACH RICK FREE PICK:
KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS UNDER 13.5 REBOUNDS
Towns averages 13.7 rebounds per game, but he’s failed to reach 13.5 in 4 of his last 5 home games. He’s only averaged 11.4 in those five games. He’s missed this number in each of his last two games and he’s only cleared it in 3 of his last 9 games. In two previous games against the Lakers, Towns didn’t even come close to this number finishing with 9 and 6 boards.