Was just finishing up a long write-up here -- but my browser crashed and I lost it. Frustrating. Here is a summary of my thoughts:
Books continue to give Knicks respect, BECAUSE THEY CAN....The public continues to pound them as if they are a 3 seed. No different today....Knicks getting 75% of public money so far today laying a large number on the road against a team they struggle against historically. Not a huge trends guy but here are a few to consider:
New York is 0-6 ATS in its last 5 games
New York is 0-6 SU in its last 6 games
New York is 3-13 ATS this season
Charlotte is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home vs. New York
Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home vs. New York
Charlotte is 2-0 ATS against the Knicks this season
New York is 0-3 ATS on the 1st game of a road trip this season.
-DJ Augustin will miss the game but Kemba Walker is a similar player and viable replacement.
-DJ White returns for Charlotte. Bobcats have some frontcourt depth with the emergence of BJ Mullens (offense), Bismack Biyombo (defense), and White (both).
Charlotte is by no means a formidable team in the East, but they continue to give the Knicks trouble. Carmelo said after their latest heart breaker vs. a shorthanded Denver club that maybe HE could be the issue and should move the ball more instead of going ISO so much. Personally, I'll believe it when I see it.
My point spread projection system has New York as a 2 point favorite in this game.
Help me break down this game a little further...Right now I am leaning Charlotte +5.