There seem more than a few of us who like the Knicks tonight despite this hefty spread at MSG vs. Sacto. Of course, it's also the same New York that dropped 15 of 18 vs. the spread after winning the NBA Cup in December, but recent wins (after a closed-door team meeting) against Brooklyn, a franchise-high 54-point romp, and then at Philadelphia on Saturday suggest the Knicks might be back on course, including Jalen Brunson, who scored 31 vs. the Sixers. Meanwhile that recent spurt by the Kings has fizzled into a five-game skid, with a 23-point loss at Detroit preceding the trip to MSG, and Zach LaVine (back) slated to miss another game tonight. Play Knicks

The Kings will be shorthanded Tuesday with Zach LaVine (back) and Malik Monk (ankle) out. LaVine didn’t play Sunday against the Pistons, a game in which Dennis Schroder scored 15 points over 25 minutes off the bench. That marked Schroder’s third straight game with at least 15 points. This game being played in New York might also help him, since he has shot 45.6% from the field and 38.9% from behind the arc on the road. At home, he shoots 37.5% from the field and 30.8% from deep. More minutes, more shot attempts and this game being on the road could all help Schroder hit this over.

I am getting this line out quickly as it is currently on the move. We’re getting a sizable discount on this combination line for Domantas Sabonis who should see his usual minute allocation. He is capable of clearing this line in one half.