The 2025-26 VSiN NBA Betting Guide was released on Tuesday, October 7. The 79-page publication features best bets from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts, betting strategy advice from Jonathan Von Tobel and Kelley Bydlon, and trends/insights from Steve Makinen. The guide also features team-by-team previews for all 30 NBA teams, including one on the New York Knicks. Keep reading to see how we think the Knicks will do compared to their regular season win total of 52.5.
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Offense
The Knicks finished sixth in adjusted offensive rating (117.1) last season and came within a few games of the NBA Finals. But despite the success, it was clear tweaks were needed to maximize the roster. That led to the polarizing decision to fire Tom Thibodeau.
Thibodeau went 226-174 over five years, and for a coach known as a defensive guru, he actually did a solid job on offense. But things grew predictable. He leaned too heavily on Jalen Brunson, marginalized other contributors, and never invested in his bench.
Brunson thrived regardless. He averaged 28.7 points and 6.7 assists in 2023-24, then 26.0 and 7.3 last year. He’s one of the NBA’s best isolation scorers, blending off-the-dribble shooting, mid-post craft, and surprising finishing ability for an undersized guard.
But his usage rate remained sky-high. With Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges in the fold, there’s no need for Brunson to shoulder as much as he does. New head coach Mike Brown must diversify things — and avoid running his starters into the ground during the regular season.
Brown was once pigeonholed as a defensive coach but evolved offensively during his time with Golden State. In 2022-23, he guided Sacramento to the league’s best offense (119.0 aORTG). Expect him to bring pace, movement, and more creativity.
That starts with tempo. New York ranked 26th in pace (97.7) last year. Brown’s Kings consistently ranked top-15. Playing faster will give Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart easier chances in transition.
Bridges and Anunoby must also be more involved. Both were often parked in corners while Brunson and Towns ran two-man action. Bridges thrives as a cutter, mover, and secondary attacker. Anunoby has untapped on-ball ability beyond his 37.2% three-point shooting. Expect Brown to unlock more.
Towns should see expanded usage as a hub. He’s more than a pick-and-pop shooter. Post-ups, mid-post facilitation, and dribble hand-offs — similar to how Brown used Domantas Sabonis — could open things up for everyone.
For Brunson, sacrifice is key. His usage doesn’t need to plummet — De’Aaron Fox was at 28.8% during Brown’s best Sacramento year — but Brunson must embrace more off-ball work. That could lighten his playoff load and elevate his teammates.
The Knicks also added Jordan Clarkson and Guershon Yabusele. Clarkson has averaged 16+ points in five straight seasons, giving them the bench scoring they lacked. Yabusele is a bruiser (6’8”, 265) who keeps the ball moving and hit 38.0% from deep last year. He could also be a sneaky small-ball five option.
Ultimately, Brown’s job is to give everyone purpose — from the stars to role players like Miles McBride, Tyler Kolek, and Pacome Dadiet. More off-ball actions, increased three-point volume, and more flow should make the offense more dynamic. If not, New York can always revert to Brunson hero-ball. But change was necessary.
Defense
The Knicks’ defense regressed last year. After finishing eighth in adjusted defensive rating (112.8) in 2023-24, they slipped to 15th (113.7) last year — and opponents consistently found quality looks in the playoffs.
Fixing things starts with Towns. His defensive shortcomings hurt, and Brown must scheme around them — just as he did with Sabonis in Sacramento. Having Mitchell Robinson healthy should help. Robinson has posted a positive Defensive EPM in five straight seasons and was a force in the playoffs. He’s a rare rim protector who can also hold up in space.
The wings also need to lock back in. With Bridges, Hart, and Anunoby, New York should have been elite on the perimeter. Instead, opponents shot 36.7% from three (fifth-highest allowed). Brunson’s limitations trickle down, but this group must close out harder and contest better.
Brown’s track record of discipline is encouraging. Much of New York’s defensive slippage was due to a lack of focus and organization. A new voice, paired with the roster’s talent, should steer them back in the right direction.
Outlook
The Knicks have won 50+ games in back-to-back seasons, and this is their deepest roster in a long time. Healthy, with a new offensive system and a renewed focus on defense, they’re built to thrive in a weak Eastern Conference. That said, expectations should be high.
Alternate Overs could be worth a look with a team this talented and deep. And anything short of an NBA Finals berth would be considered a failure. If you think that’s unfair, take it up with the front office. Thibodeau took New York to the Eastern Conference Finals. You don’t fire a coach like that unless you believe the roster is championship-caliber.
Prediction: Over 52.5 Wins
