New York Knicks Large Favorite (-7.5+) Betting Trend

The Knicks' struggles as heavy favorites stem from a franchise culture that has historically lacked the killer instinct needed to dominate inferior opponents. When laying significant points, New York often falls into the trap of playing down to their competition, a byproduct of years of organizational instability and inconsistent coaching philosophies. The team's identity has rarely been built around offensive firepower or systematic dominance, instead relying on defensive intensity and effort plays that can fluctuate dramatically from game to game. This psychological burden becomes amplified when expectations are highest. The Knicks tend to overthink possessions and lose their natural rhythm when expected to control games wire-to-wire. Their halfcourt offense, often pedestrian even in good seasons, becomes particularly stagnant against teams that pack the paint and dare them to execute in the clutch. The franchise's recent playoff appearances haven't fundamentally changed this DNA – they remain more comfortable as underdogs or in competitive spots where their defensive identity can shine. Smart bettors should consistently fade the Knicks when they're laying heavy chalk, particularly against rebuilding teams early in the season when motivation disparities are most pronounced. This trend carries maximum weight during December and January games against sub-.500 opponents.