The New York Knicks have demonstrated resilience in the absence of Jalen Brunson, posting a 2-1 record while ramping up their defensive intensity. Since the All-Star guard's ankle injury, the Knicks have excelled defensively, climbing to the fifth-best defensive rating in the league. They successfully held two of their last three opponents below 106 points, driven by an aggressive approach that includes forcing turnovers and minimizing points allowed in the paint.

With Brunson sidelined, Miles McBride has stepped up, becoming a defensive catalyst with his ability to pressure opposing ball-handlers. In his three starts, the Knicks have led the NBA in turnovers forced per game. The return of Mitchell Robinson has also bolstered the Knicks' defense, providing much-needed rim protection and allowing teammates to focus on perimeter defense. OG Anunoby's scoring and defensive contributions have further solidified the team's identity, which will be crucial for their playoff aspirations when Brunson returns.

The NBA betting landscape is heating up, particularly with player prop bets starting to gain traction. Miles Bridges is a player to watch, with a bet over 23.5 points against the Atlanta Hawks looking promising. With the Hawks' forward lineup depleting, Bridges has seen increased scoring opportunities, averaging 29 points on 48% shooting over his past seven games.

Dyson Daniels’ defense is also under the spotlight; his over 2.5 steals bet against the Hornets is backed by his impressive steal average this season. Meanwhile, OG Anunoby's over 1.5 steals against the Trail Blazers at +126 odds looks appealing as Portland is giving up significant steals. Ja Morant’s assists line of 7.5 against the Jazz is intriguing, especially given his past performance. Lastly, Onyeka Okongwu has potential for rebounds against a poor rebounding Hornets team.

The New York Knicks snapped their three-game losing streak with a convincing 133-104 victory over the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento. OG Anunoby was a standout player, scoring 24 points while contributing eight rebounds, seven assists, and four steals. The Knicks hit a season-high 22 three-pointers, with Josh Hart and Miles McBride each sinking four. This win solidifies their position for the postseason, marking a season sweep over the Kings. The Kings struggled without Domantas Sabonis, while Malik Monk led their scoring with 21 points.

The New York Knicks broke their three-game losing streak with a convincing 133-104 victory over the Sacramento Kings. This win came despite the absence of key players, including Jalen Brunson for New York and All-Star Domantas Sabonis for Sacramento. The Knicks surged ahead with a strong first quarter led by Miles McBride, who scored 15 points. New York showcased impressive teamwork, with all five starters scoring at least nine points, hitting 55% of their shots from the field, including 22 three-pointers.

New York maintained their lead with effective defensive plays, forcing eight turnovers from the Kings. Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby were standout performers, contributing to the team's dominant display. The Knicks look to continue their momentum as they prepare for a matchup against the Trail Blazers.

Jalen Brunson's absence due to an ankle injury is opening up opportunities for his teammates, notably OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, ahead of the Knicks' matchup against the Kings. Anunoby is positioned well for a strong performance from beyond the arc, especially as the Kings struggle to defend against three-point shooting, allowing the second-highest percentage in the league. His recent form shows promise, having made over 2.5 threes in six of his last ten games.

Bridges is also set to step up, given his previous high-scoring games against Sacramento, especially in Brunson's absence. His recent performances indicate that he can shoulder more of the scoring load, making the over on his points prop a solid bet. Both players are primed to make significant contributions, highlighting the potential for a high-scoring affair.