The marquee matchup on Friday’s seven-game NBA schedule pits the New York Knicks against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena in Denver. New York comes in with a 40-23 record after falling at home to Oklahoma City on Wednesday. Denver is 39-24 following its victory over the Lakers on Thursday.
Let’s dive into my Knicks vs. Nuggets predictions.
New York Knicks vs. Denver Nuggets odds
Money line: Knicks -124 / Nuggets +106
Spread: Knicks -1.5 (-110) / Nuggets +1.5 (-100)
Total: Over 230.5 (-105) / Under 230.5 (-115)
New York Knicks vs. Denver Nuggets best bet #1: Nuggets ML (+106)
The Nuggets are playing the second leg of a back-to-back situation after beating L.A. 120-113 last night, but there is no need to be concerned about possible fatigue. Denver is 9-3 straight up on the second ends of back-to-backs this season. The Nuggets are 2-0 in their last two such scenarios, which includes a 54-point blowout at Portland on February 20.
These two teams faced each other on February 4 at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks needed double-overtime to prevail. Interestingly, both teams were playing the second leg of a back-to-back. Denver has a prime opportunity to get revenge. It has won two in a row and three of five, a stretch that is highlighted by a 19-point win over Boston. Nikola Jokic produced a triple-double (28 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists) against the Lakers last night and has delivered six straight double-doubles (including three triple-doubles). More good news for the home side is that Aaron Gordon is targeting a return on Friday. Gordon (17.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg) has not played since January 23 due to a hamstring injury.
Although Denver not been anything special at home this season, New York is much worse on the road (16-14) than it is at MSG (21-9).
New York Knicks vs. Denver Nuggets best player prop bet: Jalen Brunson Over 2.5 three-pointers made (-111)
Brunson has exceeded this 2.5 quota in three of the last five contests, which includes two performances with four three-pointers. The Villanova product has drained at least two triples in five straight games and he has attempted seven threes or more in nine of the last 13 outings.
Additionally, Brunson went 5-for-12 from downtown against the Nuggets in their February meeting. Although Denver has been decent in three-point defense during the 2025-26 campaign, it has allowed an average of 14 threes on 39.6 percent shooting over its last three contests.