Surprisingly, the New York Knicks are surging in 2014. Conversely, without their star point guard, the Phoenix Suns are struggling as of late. The Eric Bledsoe-less Suns will visit the Carmelo Anthony-led Knicks on Monday night in a battle between teams going in opposite directions.

New York has appeared to have turned the corner to start the new year; they have won five of their last six games. Three of which came against quality opponents too. The Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs, 105-101; Dallas Mavericks, 92-80; and the Miami Heat, 102-92, in that stretch to improve to a 14-22 win-loss card for the season.

The Knicks are still eight games below 0.500 and two spots off the playoff picture, but they have gained ground in the East which features a lot of weak teams.

Meanwhile, the Suns have lost four of their last six games and three of the last four. Phoenix lost Bledsoe on Dec 30 as he underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, and they’ve missed him badly as the Suns have failed to perform in close games.

They lost to the Memphis Grizzlies, 104-99, and Detroit Pistons, 110-108, the last two outings and want to avoid a three-game slide.

There were surprise contributors in the Knicks’ most recent win. Malcontent J.R. Smith had 14 points on an efficient 5-of-8 shooting from the field, while Amare Stoudemire top-scored with 21 points in the win versus Philly for the Knicks’ fourth straight win—their longest streak so far in this regular season.

Watch the Suns take on the Knicks via NBA League Pass.

Betting Lines: Phoenix Suns (+3) vs. New York Knicks (O/U: 198.5)
 Game time: 10:30 am AEDT

Betting Against the Spread (ATS)

Phoenix Suns Trends
 - Suns are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games vs. the Knicks
- Suns are 24-11-1 ATS in their last 36 games
- Suns are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games on the road

New York Knicks Trends
 - Knicks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after a win
- Knicks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. teams with winning records
- Knicks are 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games at home