Knicks vs. Clippers prediction: NBA player props, picks, odds, best bets

Kawhi Leonard finally appears to have his feet under him. The Knicks will welcome the two-time NBA Finals MVP and the Clippers to the Garden on Wednesday night, right as the squad is hitting its stride. Leonard has played in just 28 games this season after dealing with knee inflammation before returning in January and practicing his usual load management since, but he’s been excellent lately.Over his past six games, Leonard is averaging 26.3 points, dropping at least 23 in each of those games. Leonard has slowly taken the reins of the Clippers offense from James Harden and Norm Powell, upping his shot attempts as the season has carried on.

Through his first 15 games this season, Leonard didn’t attempt more than 19 shots in a game, suggesting that he was ramping up for a late-season/playoff run. His production was underwhelming at best, shooting 46.4 percent overall and 35.9 percent from 3 while averaging 16.3 points per game. Since the All-Star break, Leonard has been much more aggressive and efficient.In 13 games since then, he’s scored 24 ppg on a much improved 50.2 percent from the field and 42.1 percent from deep. Leonard has had at least 20 shot attempts in six of those games, and at least 12 in every one of them.

He has even breached the 40-minute mark twice, including on Sunday night against the Thunder, something Leonard hadn’t done since early January 2024. Leonard had one of his worst games since the All Star break against the Knicks earlier this month, scoring 20 points on 33.3 percent shooting, but I’m willing to chalk that up to a bad shooting night. Bet on the Knicks to have a little more trouble with Leonard on Wednesday night. The play: Kawhi Leonard Over on point total....