New York Knicks vs Portland Trail Blazers Picks and Predictions March 30th 2025

Knicks Look to Stay Hot at Home vs. Blazers

The New York Knicks are adjusting, adapting, and winning — even without their floor general Jalen Brunson. With just a few weeks left in the regular season, the Knicks (46-27) have clinched a playoff spot and are chasing the No. 3 seed in the East. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers (32-42) are on a five-game Eastern road swing with their postseason hopes slipping fast.

On Sunday night at Madison Square Garden, these two teams meet in a game with playoff implications on both ends of the NBA spectrum.

Stay updated on playoff seeding with the NBA Scores & Odds.

Knicks: Anunoby’s Rise Adds New Threat

With Jalen Brunson sidelined since March 6 due to a sprained ankle, the Knicks have discovered a new go-to scorer: OG Anunoby. The former Raptors forward has transformed into a nightly scoring threat, averaging 28.4 points over his last five games — nearly 11 points more than his season average.

Anunoby dropped 31 points in the Knicks’ 116-107 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, his second 30-point outing in three games. His aggressive style and versatility on both ends of the court are filling the gap left by Brunson and energizing a Knicks squad that has gone 6-5 in his absence.

“Just depending on situations — sometimes it comes or sometimes it doesn’t. Just today, I was really aggressive,” Anunoby said.

Josh Hart continues to step up as a playmaker, leading or sharing the team lead in assists in eight games without Brunson. Alongside Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, who have shared scoring duties in recent games, the Knicks’ supporting cast is thriving.

Catch up on their East playoff projections at the NBA Eastern Conference Odds.

Blazers: Battling the East and Fading Hope

Portland (32-42) is in survival mode. After tough losses to the Celtics and Cavaliers, the Blazers were overpowered by the Kings on Thursday in a 128-107 loss where they led for less than a minute.

Coach Chauncey Billups didn’t sugarcoat it:
“I told our guys before the game the most physical team would win the game and I was right.”

The Trail Blazers were out-rebounded 46-32 and mustered only 17 defensive rebounds. That lack of physicality is a problem — especially against a New York team that thrives on second-chance opportunities and gritty play.

Portland is now four games back of the Dallas Mavericks for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. With only a handful of games left, every loss tightens the noose around their postseason chances.

Track the race with the NBA Western Conference Odds.

Key Matchups

OG Anunoby vs. Jerami Grant
Anunoby is in a groove offensively. Grant will be tasked with slowing him down — a tough ask considering Anunoby’s confidence and usage rate.

Josh Hart vs. Portland’s Backcourt
Hart has become a Swiss army knife for the Knicks. His rebounding, playmaking, and energy are essential, especially if the Knicks dominate the physical battle again.

Rebounding Battle
New York thrives on hustle plays and offensive boards. If the Blazers can’t match that intensity, this game could get out of hand early.

Season Outlook

• The Knicks are pushing to hold off the Pacers and lock in the third seed in the East.
• Portland’s path to the play-in is narrow and shrinking. Every game is must-win.
• Brunson’s status remains a wildcard, but New York is showing it can win without him.

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Final Word

OG Anunoby’s rise has given the Knicks a new weapon at the perfect time. As Portland continues to slide, New York is surging — and doing it with grit. Sunday’s game is a chance for the Knicks to keep the momentum alive at home, while the Blazers face elimination with every passing loss.

Don’t miss this East vs. West clash with playoff energy and postseason urgency. For matchup insights and expert predictions, visit the NBA Picks.