Denver at New York

This will be the first time these teams have met since the fisticuffs broke out on Dec., 16 last year. That meeting led to multiple suspensions and an ugly finish to a lopsided game. These teams simply don't like each other, which usually means the game, at least initially, will take on a defensive character. These teams are going to be playing with emotional intensity which usually means more defense. The Nuggets have struggled out of the box as they are shooting just 42.9% as a team, No. 21 in the league, and just No. 21 on 3's at 30.5%. The amazing stat for Denver is they are fourth in the NBA in FG percentage defense as well, so the points have been harder to come by on both ends of the court. These teams are both missing a bunch of FT'S as the Knicks rank No. 23 in the league, and Denver No. 17. We look for the defensive intensity to be strong early and will play to the first-half UNDER.