When the Los Angeles Lakers take on the New York Knicks tonight at Madison Square Garden, all attention will be on LeBron James, who might be making his final appearance at this iconic venue. However, the Knicks, led by All-Star guard Jalen Brunson, are determined not to let LeBron dominate the spotlight.
My prediction for the Lakers vs. Knicks game highlights Brunson’s playmaking skills, which offer good value for betting on his assists prop.
Here are my top NBA picks for Sunday, February 1st.
Lakers vs. Knicks Predictions
Best Bet: Jalen Brunson to have 5.5 or more assists (-120)
Although Brunson’s assist numbers have dropped recently, with the guard averaging nearly seven assists in November and December but only 4.4 per game in January—finishing last month with seven straight games below his usual total—there is a strong case for a rebound tonight. Over those recent games, his assist potential declined from 11.7 to 8.0 per game, yet he only converted about 4.0 assists on half of those opportunities. This downturn decreased his assist market line to an over/under of 5.5.
Tonight’s matchup against a Lakers team that has allowed the sixth-most assists per game this season—and even more recently, 30.3 assists per game over the last three games—sets up well for Brunson to exceed this mark. Los Angeles also tends to have a high field goal percentage supported by ball movement, especially in catch-and-shoot situations (65.6%).
Brunson is a challenging matchup for defenders, and the Lakers lack a reliable guard defender to contain him when he drives to the hoop. Defenders like Luka Doncic and Rui Hachimura have been below average on defense, and Austin Reaves remains out due to a calf injury since Christmas. New York’s offense thrives on spot-up shooters, and Brunson’s drives often pull defenders in, opening up space for kick-out passes.
Despite his recent assist slump, projections for this game are promising. Estimates suggest Brunson will rack up between 6.0 and 7.4 assists, with a personal prediction of 6.6 assists, which could move the odds on the Over 5.5 assists to around -170.
Lakers vs. Knicks Same Game Parlay (SGP)
New York is currently riding a five-game winning streak and has covered the spread in each of those games. Mikal Bridges, benefiting from Brunson’s playmaking, is expected to score over 16 points.
SGP Picks:
- Jalen Brunson 5.5+ assists
- Mikal Bridges 15.5+ points
“From Downtown” SGP: MSG Edition
Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 1.8 three-pointers per game at Madison Square Garden.
SGP Picks:
- Jalen Brunson 5.5+ assists
- Mikal Bridges 15.5+ points
- Karl-Anthony Towns 1.5+ three-pointers
Lakers vs. Knicks Odds
- Spread: Lakers +4.5 (-105) | Knicks -4.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Lakers +160 | Knicks -190
- Over/Under: 229.5 (-105) | Under 229.5 (-115)
Important Betting Trends
The Knicks have a strong record of 6-2 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) when hosting Western Conference teams at home.
Game Details: How to Watch
| Location | Madison Square Garden, New York, New York |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, February 1, 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM (EST) |
| TV Broadcast | NBC |
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This article was originally published on Covers.com.
Fan Take: Tonight’s game is a perfect showcase of emerging talent versus established superstardom, making it a must-watch for all basketball fans. Brunson’s performance against LeBron could signal a shift in the NBA’s landscape, highlighting the rise of new leaders in the sport.
