Gross Bombs: NFL Props for Week 16
Josh Gross
It has been a mediocre season for the New York Knicks, as they currently sit last in the Atlantic Diviison with a record of 24-27. However, with 31 games remaining in the regular season, there is a glimmer of hope for this team’s postseason aspiration.
Let’s look at the futures market and analyze the odds the Garden will be rocking come April.
New York Knicks Odds to Make the Playoffs
Coming into the season, there was plenty of optimism surrounding the New York Knicks. Many thought it was a forgone conclusion that they would make the playoffs, and some thought their additions could lead to a deep playoff run. The books were in agreement as the Knicks were -150 to make the playoffs preseason.
Those hopes have diminished as the Knicks have had more cold than hot streaks as the season has gone on. To put their odds in perspective, their preseason line of -150 is equal to a 60% chance of making the playoffs. Now those odds have plummeted to plus +900, per DraftKings Sportsbook. The Knicks currently sit half of a game out of the 10 seed, which would make them eligible for the play-in tournament, but both the books and projections think that it is improbable that they will make the playoffs, which they are three games out of. Their +900 odds translate to a 10% chance to make the playoffs, and FiveThirtyEight currently has them at 5%. So if you’re looking for some late-season value, the Knicks at least have a chance.
New York Knicks Odds to Win the NBA Finals
The Knicks were a dark horse team to take home the championship trophy prior to the season as their offseason additions were thought to make their first-round exit from last season a thing of the past. Their preseason odds on DraftKings Sportsbook of +9000 were fit a team with an excellent core but still may be a few years away from truly contending. As we touched on earlier, this season has been a bit of a disappointment, and the odds will never sugarcoat the possibility to fans and bettors. Right now, the Knicks’ odds to win the Finals are +20000. To give you an idea of how unlikely it is that the Knicks will win the Finals, the odds of an amateur golfer making a hole in one on a par three are +12500. If you have ever played pitch and putt, you know just how hard it is.
Julius Randle MVP Odds
Knicks big man Julius Randle had a career year last season, posting posted career highs in points, rebounds and assists. With all the hype surrounding Randle and the Knicks entering the 2021-2022 season, his odds were worth considering at +9000. Unfortunately, it seems he was due for regression as his numbers have dropped off quite a bit this season. His team’s record also does not help his case, and the chance that Randle takes home the MVP is worse than your odds to date a supermodel, currently sitting at +100000 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
There’s Always Next Year
It’s time to be realistic: This Knicks season is all but lost. Though that does not mean we can’t look way into the future for some optimism. The Knicks are currently projected to have the 12th pick in next year’s NBA Draft.
Fortunately for them, there is plenty of great collegiate talent set to come out this year. Let’s look at some guys who could be available if their No. 12 spot holds, according to NBA Draft Room.
Max Christie, Michigan State: The 6-foot-6 guard has loads of offensive talent in a lanky frame. His shooting touch only adds to his potential in the league if he puts on some size.
A.J. Griffin, Duke: Another 6-6 player who profiles as a small forward. He was a highly touted recruit out of high school and has begun to flourish at Duke. He can light it up from behind the arc and has a 200-pound frame to hang with the big boys inside. His comp is Jimmy Butler.
Jalen Duren, Memphis: The No. 1 recruit of the 2021 recruiting class has everything you want in an NBA center. He is 6-11 and 250 pounds with a 7-foot-5 wingspan. He is athletic and polished offensively with his back to the basket.
