Utah Jazz vs New York Knicks Prediction NBA Picks 1/1/25

Utah Jazz 

The Utah Jazz have been in a real slump as they've lost 13 of their last 17 games overall and they will be hoping to avoid a fifth straight defeat after falling just short to the Nuggets in a 132-121 loss on Monday. Jordan Clarkson led the team with 24 points off the bench, Collin Sexton added 22 points with four assists, while Walker Kessler chipped in with 12 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists. As a team, the Jazz shot 51 percent from the field and 13 of 38 from the 3-point line as they got off to a hot start and poured in 66 points in the first half to take the lead. The Jazz' hard work went to waste in the third quarter where they went cold and allowed the Nuggets to start to pull away. 

New York Knicks 

Meanwhile, the New York Knicks have been on a tear, as they've reeled off 13 wins in their past 15 outings. The Knicks will be gunning for a ninth straight victory after blowing past the lowly Wizards in a 126-106 road win on Monday. Karl-Anthony Towns led the team with 32 points and 13 rebounds on 13 of 19 shooting, Josh Hart added a triple-double of 23 points with 15 rebounds and 10 assists, while OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson scored 18 points each. As a team, the Knicks shot 45 percent from the field and 15 of 44 from the 3-point line as they shook off a slow start and took a two-point lead into halftime. Before the Knicks dominated the second half by 67-49 to make it a complete blowout in the end. All five starters finished in double figures in scoring, and no bench player scored more than six points. 

Why the New York Knicks will win

• The Jazz have lost 30 of their last 31 night games against teams that held a winning record.
• The Knicks have won each of their last seven night games.
• The Knicks have covered the spread in each of their last five home games against Northwest Division opponents.
• The Jazz have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five night games at Madison Square Garden.

Utah Jazz vs New York Knicks Prediction

The Jazz are still without John Collins, who is listed as doubtful, while the Knicks are still playing without the injured Mitchell Robinson. This is a classic case of two teams headed in opposite directions, with the Jazz losing games on a nightly basis, while the Knicks have been stacking on the wins. It comes as no surprise that the Knicks have opened as big favorites at home, but interestingly, these teams last met on Nov. 23, and it was the Jazz who romped to a 121-106 upset win. I think the Knicks remember this one and get their revenge in front of their home fans.