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2024-25 New York Knicks Predictions and Odds to Win NBA Finals

by Spencer Toth - 10/13/2024

New York Knicks predictions Jalen Brunson

The New York Knicks had their most successful season this century, but they weren’t satisfied in the offseason. New York battled through countless injuries last year to claw their way into the second seed, but it eventually caught up to them as their short-handed lineup was unable to keep the Cinderella story going. Over the summer, the Knicks front office has been hard at work. Will all their transactions pay off, or will it be another year further adrift from their 1973 championship win? 

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New York Knicks Offseason Recap

The Knicks had the most eventful offseason in the entire league. Despite injuries derailing their playoff run last year, the Knicks were still unsatisfied and the front office decided they needed a change. The first move they made was acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. The Knicks had to sell the farm to pry Bridges away from the Nets, trading five first round picks and veteran Bojan Bogdanovic for his signature. Bogdanovic was unable to make an impact in New York, but five first round picks (four of which are unprotected), could set the Knicks back for years if it doesn’t work out. 

What they get in return is another member from the 2015-16 Villanova team that featured Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo. Bridges was a valuable member of the Phoenix Suns for five seasons, before getting moved to Brooklyn in the Kevin Durant trade. Without any competition in Brooklyn, Bridges exploded for 19.6 PPG last year, his new career high. As a close follower of the Knicks, this trade gave me mixed feelings. There is no doubting Bridges makes the Knicks better, but five first round picks is a hefty price to pay for a one dimensional scorer that has never eclipsed 20 PPG in a season. But the Knicks weren’t done yet. 

The Knicks then lost both Isiah Hartenstein and Alec Burks in free agency. After watching Mitchell Robinson struggle with his return from injury, the Knicks needed another big man to bolster their roster. In early October, the Knicks made a trade for Karl-Anthony Towns with the Minnesota Timberwolves. In exchange, they had to fork over longtime Knicks Julius Randle, ex-Villanova superstar Donte DiVincenzo, and another first round pick. 

Let’s start with the departures. Julius Randle was the face of the Knicks franchise for several years before Jalen Brunson’s arrival. Randle is a volume shooter that was crucial to the Knicks success, but his recent injuries and friction with the rest of the lineup made him the perfect trade candidate. While the Knicks fans can swallow the loss of Randle, DiVincenzo is another story. As things kept getting worse for the Knicks last season due to a series of injuries, DiVincenzo consistently stepped up when his team needed him the most. The peppy three-point specialist scored the second most points for the Knicks last season behind Brunson. 

While the losses will hurt, if Karl-Anthony Towns can make a positive impact, it will all be forgotten. Towns was shocked to be traded by the Timberwolves after they drafted him in 2015. His recent playoff performances were the root of why Minnesota accepted his departure, but there is no denying he is still a top-tier NBA star. His ability to shoot the three-ball from the center position will give the Knicks a unique look offensively. Defensively, the work rate for Towns has been questioned in the past, but head coach Tom Thibodeau will demand maximum effort from Towns. If Thibodeau can unlock some defense from Towns, he could certainly develop into a well-rounded option at center. 

New York Knicks Season Expectations

The Knicks haven’t won a championship in 51 years and have their eyes locked in on changing that this season. The front office made several ‘win now’ moves over the summer, and the Knicks have all the tools needed to make a deep playoff run. Jalen Brunson transformed into one of the league’s best players last season, as the talented guard really hit his stride during his sophomore season with the Knicks. His ability to finish in tight, from the mid-range, or from well behind the arc, makes him one of the toughest assignments to try and slow down. 

After the Knicks finished second in the East last season, they are expected to have another stellar regular season. The Knicks were left telling themselves ‘if only we were healthy’ last season, but there will be no excuses this time around. They have an excellent starting five, good depth, top-tier coaching, and a perfect blend of experience and youth on their roster. Their first appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000 is the floor for this team, but the championship will be the primary target. 

New York Knicks Schedule Breakdown

The Knicks open up the season with a mouthwatering game against the defending champions, the Boston Celtics. This nationally televised broadcast is only one game of 82. However, if the Knicks can get a victory, that will set them up for a promising regular season. Their toughest road trip of the year comes with a month left in the season, as they have a five-game trip featuring the Lakers, Kings, and Warriors. 

New York Knicks Odds

The Knicks have sky-high expectations this season. They are a near lock to make the playoffs at -7000 odds and have the third best championship odds at +750. Not only are they expected to make the playoffs, but anything short of a dominant regular season will be seen as a failure. If they surpass their 54.5 win total, it will be their best regular season in the last 30 years. 

In the NBA Cup, the Knicks find themselves in a group with the 76ers, Magic, Hornets, and Nets. They are +140 favorites to finish on top of the group, with the 76ers right behind at +160 odds. They face off against the 76ers in Philadelphia to open up the NBA Cup, which will likely determine the eventual group winner. 

2024-25 New York Knicks Season Predictions and Best Bets

The New York Knicks will have a fantastic regular season, but the 54.5 win total may be a little bit too high. They were able to scratch together 54 wins last year despite the injuries, and they certainly got better in the offseason. However, in order to bolster their starting unit, they had to sacrifice depth. The Knicks bench is thin, as Miles McBride, Precious Achiuwa, Cameron Payne, and an injured Mitchell Robinson are not exactly household names. Over the course of an 82-game season, the Knicks will pick up injuries along the way and will be fatigued in back-to-back sets. I expect the Knicks to have another great season and collect a top seed along the way. They will, however, fall short of their win total with a 49-33 record. 

In the NBA Cup, the Knicks have a great chance to advance but may not finish on top of their group. They will likely be underdogs against the 76ers on the road and may have to settle for the top second place team to make the knockout stages. The Magic, Nets, and Hornets aren’t eye popping opposition, and the Knicks could get the point difference they need to book their place. They are +900 to win the NBA Cup. And while the single-elimination format makes it a wide-open race, the Knicks will be favorites against anyone other than Boston in the Eastern Conference. 

Will the Knicks offseason moves pay off? I’m willing to bet they will. Last year, New York was able to scratch and claw their way to a Game 7 in the second round despite the long list of injuries to their starters. They have made significant upgrades over the offseason, have a relatively clean bill of health, and have all the pieces needed to win the NBA championship. The +750 odds don’t leave that much money to be made. However, if the Knicks get off to a hot start, or the Celtics show weakness, these odds will plummet. The ‘Villanova Knicks’ will have plenty of highlight games this season, and it will all lead up to them winning the ultimate basketball prize. 

Top Pick: New York Knicks to Win the NBA Championship +750

Pick: New York Knicks Under 54.5 Wins 

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