Knicks vs Blazers Odds, Picks & Predictions | NBA Betting Preview (Thursday, Mar. 14)

Tonight's NBA clash between the New York Knicks and the Portland Trail Blazers showcases contrasting styles and strategies, setting the stage for a double digit spread as they face off on NBA League Pass at 10 p.m. ET.

The Knicks, sitting as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, are poised to challenge the Blazers who reside in the second to last spot in the West. This game, taking place in the vibrant Moda Center in Portland, showcases a Blazers team looking to extend their win streak to two games for only the sixth time this season.

Here's everything you need to know about Knicks vs Blazers on Thursday, March 14 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today's game.

Pick: Knicks -10

The Knicks have carved out a legitimate playoff position this season, thanks in large part to their offensive rebounding prowess, leading the league and providing them with numerous second-chance opportunities. Even with a middle-of-the-pack offensive rating (13th) and effective field goal percentage (21st), the Knicks have managed to remain competitive.

New York’s elite defense solidifies their playoff aspirations, ranking eighth in defensive rating and shows competence in limiting opponents' effective field goal percentage (13th). This balance of tenacity on the boards and defensive acumen makes them formidable, especially against teams struggling to contain or match their intensity in the paint.

On the other side, the Blazers have faced an uphill battle this season, reflected in their offensive rating (28th) and particularly in their struggle with effective field goal percentage, where they languish at the bottom of the Association (30th).

However, their ability to secure offensive rebounds (fifth) hints at potential that, if fully tapped, could turn the tide in closer contests.

Defensively, the Blazers find themselves in a precarious position, with a defensive rating (22nd) that suggests vulnerabilities and an especially concerning defensive rebounding rate (28th) that could be exploited by an elite rebounding team like the Knicks. Their ability to force turnovers (fourth) remains a bright spot, potentially disrupting the Knicks' offensive rhythm.

Given the juxtaposition of the Knicks' strength in areas where the Blazers falter, particularly in offensive rebounding and defensive solidity, taking the Knicks to cover the -10 spread appears to be the best bet.

Despite the game being in Portland, which traditionally offers the home team an energetic boost, the Knicks' demonstrated ability to dominate the boards and maintain defensive pressure presents a challenge that the Blazers, given their current form, may find difficult to overcome.

The Blazers' struggle with shooting efficiency exacerbates this challenge, especially against a Knicks team that has shown it can already blow the doors off this Portland team as they won by 28 points when they last faced off in New York.

Take the Knicks -10 at FanDuel and expect another double digit victory by New York on the road.

Pick: Knicks -10