New York vs Minnesota. NBA Match Prediction
On January 18, the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves will meet at the legendary Madison Square Garden as part of the NBA regular championship. The hosts continue to strengthen their position at the top of the Eastern Conference, while the visitors are trying to stay in the playoff zone in the West. Both teams are under intense pressure: the Knicks are trying to close the gap to the leaders, and the Timberwolves are fighting with competitors for the right to stay in the top 8. The question is, who will be able to show themselves better this evening? Read our betting tip

Command Analysis

New York Knicks

Current form
Tom Thibodeau men continue to prove that they are ready to fight for high places in the conference. The team is third in the East and is trying to get closer to the leaders, despite the tough competition. In the last five games, the Knicks have won three, but there are still some shortcomings in their game.
In the previous match, the Knicks beat Philadelphia in a tough game (125:119) in overtime. This victory was another proof of the team strength of character, and Jalen Brunson again proved himself as one of the key players, scoring 28 points. Bridges' stable play and support from the rotation allow the team to achieve the necessary results, especially in home games.
The upcoming matchup with Minnesota will be a test for the Knicks, who are set on achieving the best possible result. The support of the stands of Madison Square Garden will be an additional trump card that can help New York maintain its position at the top of the standings.
Disqualifications and injuries
Mitchell Robinson is out next week, and Karl-Anthony Towns and Pacôme Dadier are questionable.
Interesting facts for betting
The Knicks have won 3 of their last 5 head-to-head games.
Preliminary lineup: Anunoby - Hart, Sims - Brunson, Bridges.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Current form
The visitors occupy the eighth place in the Western Conference, but their position remains precarious. The team had a series of three victories, and then suffered two disappointing defeats in a row.
In the last match against Golden State (115:116), Timberwolves were close to success, but could not cope with the opponent onslaught at the end. The game turned out to be extremely interesting in spectacular moments, although luck was on the side of the opponent from San Francisco.
For Minnesota, the game against New York is a chance to rehabilitate itself after a series of failures. However, the trip to New York promises to be a tough test, especially against the backdrop of recent inconsistent play.
Disqualifications and injuries
The team approaches the meeting in full fighting spirit.
Interesting facts for betting
The Timberwolves are unbeaten on the road in three games.
Projected lineup: McDaniels - Randle, Gobert - DiVincenzo, Edwards.
Trends
Bet 1st quarter. Minnesota win
The Timberwolves have won in the first quarter in three of their last five head-to-head games.
2.18Bet 1st quarter: total over 52.5 points
In 4 of the last 5 head-to-head games, more than 52 points were scored in the first quarter.
1.73Tip and bets
The New York Knicks are currently in better shape than their opponents. The team is consistently scoring points, and their home games are traditionally held at a high level. Tom Thibodeau continues to work on improving the team interactions, and the results are visible to the naked eye, but the absence of Towns has noticeably affected the team play.
Minnesota has already gained confidence and stability in previous matches, but the last-minute losses to Memphis and Golden State hit their motivation hard. The Timberwolves can do better, but the trip to New York clearly won't be an easy walk. Despite this, the Wolves will take to the court with an optimal lineup, which can help them surprise their opponents.
Our prediction is Minnesota victory with a handicap of (+5.5) points for 1.73
Bet on total
The match promises to be tough and full of struggle. However, the attacking potential of both teams can lead to a productive game. The Knicks will dominate due to the support of the home stands, and Minnesota will try to respond to this with its aggressive attack. We expect the total to be broken.
Betting Tip - total over 217 points for 1.71
Bet on statistics
Despite the current problems, the Timberwolves remain a team with good offensive potential. Anthony Edwards has been showing a high level in recent matches, and there is a chance that the visitors will be able to find their moments in attack. We assume that Minnesota will break its individual total, despite the pressure from the New York defense.
Prediction - Minnesota individual total over 107.5 points for 1.87