Trail Blazers vs Knicks Prediction, Odds & Game Preview 3/12/2025

The New York Knicks roll into Portland's Moda Center riding high after their dominant win over Sacramento, but they'll have to maintain that momentum without floor general Jalen Brunson, who remains sidelined with an ankle injury.

Both teams enter Wednesday's cross-conference clash dealing with key absences, as the Trail Blazers continue missing Deandre Ayton's presence in the paint while Jerami Grant's status remains uncertain due to a nagging calf issue.

The matchup pits the third-seeded Knicks (41-23) against a Trail Blazers squad (28-38) desperate to snap their four-game skid and keep their fading playoff hopes alive.

Portland Trail Blazers vs. New York Knicks preview

The Knicks roll into Portland's Moda Center looking to build on their impressive 133-104 demolition of the Kings, but they'll have to do it without floor general Jalen Brunson, whose ankle injury leaves a massive hole in their offense.

Miles McBride has stepped up admirably in Brunson's absence, dropping 21 points with 7 dimes against Sacramento, while Karl-Anthony Towns continues to be a force with his 26-point performance showing he's found his groove in the Knicks' system.

Portland's young guns are hungry to snap their four-game skid, with Deni Avdija coming off a monster 34-point, 16-rebound explosion against Golden State that proved he's ready for a bigger role.

The Blazers' three-point shooting could be the x-factor tonight - while they're struggling at 34.5% from deep this season, they're facing a Knicks defense that's been surprisingly vulnerable beyond the arc, giving up 37.4% to opponents.

With Deandre Ayton sidelined and Jerami Grant questionable with a nagging calf issue, Portland's frontcourt depth will be tested against Towns and the physical Knicks lineup.

The third-seeded Knicks have owned this matchup recently, gunning for their fourth straight win over Portland, but something tells me the desperate Blazers won't go down without a fight on their home court.

Keep an eye on the backcourt battle between Portland's explosive trio of Simons, Sharpe, and Henderson against a Brunson-less Knicks defense that might struggle to contain their speed and creativity.