Posted on 3/3/2008 6:34:16 PM

NBA Gambling Odds - New Orleans Hornets at New York Knicks

By Tim Furious

New Orleans Hornets (39-19) vs. New York Knicks (18-41)

Monday, March 3rd --- Madison Square Garden, NYC --- 7:30pm EST

NBA Betting Line: New Orleans -6.5 (196)

It’s easy to say that the Hornets are going to throttle the Knicks. But it’s much more difficult to admit that the Knicks actually play pretty well at home. The crowd gets riled up whenever David Lee checks in to the game. They won their last two home games, against Charlotte and Toronto, in convincing fashion. Despite going 4-13 SU in their past 17 home games, they are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games at home.

I have no idea what’s gotten in to Jamal Crawford as of late, but averaging 26.6 points per game in the last five is a great way to get noticed. When Crawford gets hot, this team believes it can win, and there’s no reason to doubt that Crawford won’t ramp up the points tonight against New Orleans. I love what David West does for the Hornets, but there’s simply no getting past the fact that he doesn’t have the speed to keep up with Crawford, which is why we may see more of Mo Pete than the Hornets NBA betting faithful would like to tonight.

The Knicks are an impressive 12-5-1 ATS in their last 18 games when hosting the Hornets. That’s a pretty eye-popping trend if you ask me. Couple that with the Hornets gaudy 2-5 ATS record in their past 7 road games and you’d have to think that this is an open and shut case.

But will Chris Paul let it be that simple?

Nate Robinson is a speedy guard, but gives up too much size to (anyone) Chris Paul. It will be difficult for Robinson to contain Chris Paul who leads the Hornets in both assists and points. The Hornets average 100.0 points per game and 95.1 points against, while their perimeter shooting knocks down 7.8 treys per contest.

But I love the Knicks at home. It’s a team of legitimate superstars being coached in to the ground by Zeke. And when they get hot at home, they are impossible to match. The points may not translate in to wins for the Knicks, but it’s rewarding those savvy betting investors willing to take a flier on the Knicks in MSG. Those that do are getting rewarded handsomely. Those that are saying, “holy crap! only six points?! But the Knicks are awful!” obviously don’t watch enough basketball. And they also don’t realize that the Knicks are talented enough to at least push the score in to the OVER in 4 of their last 5 games at home.

I know that the Knicks are 0-5 SU and ATS in their last five meetings with the Hornets, but the Knicks play of late has me convinced that this team is a solid team to bet on at home. Take the Knicks tonight at home with the points. The line is moving because the betting community is adamant about the parity between the East and West. But it’s extremely difficult for me to advice against the Knicks when they’re playing at home. Despite Isaiah.

NBA Betting Free Picks: New York Knicks +6.5 (OVER)

You’ll find the latest 2007-2008 NBA odds and lines in the best online sportsbook, BetUS.com. Betting on NBA player and game props makes every aspect of the game exciting. Join BetUS.com today to bet on the NBA and make online sports betting work for you!