Lakers vs Knicks

The big news leading into this one is the absence of LeBron James. The King was suspended for the first time in his career for an inadvertent hit on the Pistons Isaiah Stewart that made global headlines. It leaves things up to the duo of Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis to shoulder the load - something they have not done well for the Lakers this season. They rank 396th and 399th respective in plus/minus this season which is borderline embarrassing for two perennial All Stars. The Lakers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games when facing teams with a winning record and have failed to cover the spread in their last 4 trips to Madison Square Garden. The Knicks have held their last 5 opponents to 100ppg and have conceded the 5th fewest points in the paint which should help put a lid on the production of Anthony Davis. A rampant New York crowd will help the home side cover the line. 

• Tip: Knicks -3.5