The New Orleans Pelicans will travel to “the most famous arena in the world” to play the New York Knicks. We’re in Madison Square Garden sharing our NBA odds series, taking a Pelicans Knicks prediction and pick while we show you how to watch.
The Pelicans lost to the Toronto Raptors 115-110. Eventually they fell behind early and went back into the fourth quarter at 15. But the Pelicans couldn’t complete the comeback and fell short. Significantly, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans by 36 points. CJ McCollum also added 23 points. Likewise, Jonas Valanciuanas added 12 points and 12 rebounds. The Pelicans shot 46.4 percent from the field and 43.3 percent from beyond the arc. The Pelicans are also only shorting 76 percent from the free throw line. The Pelicans lost the Battle of the Boards 48-43.
The Knicks win a 115-109 win over the Washington Wizards. First they fell behind after the first quarter with 38:27. But the Knicks bounced back and completed the comeback to stun the Wizards. Ultimately, Julius Randle broke out for 46 points. RJ Barrett added 14 points. Additionally, Jalen Brunson added 13 points and nine assists. Immanuel Quickley came off the bench and scored 16 points. Ultimately, the Knicks ended up shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from the 3-point line. The Knicks won the Battle of the Boards 43-34. They also forced 17 turnovers.
The Pelicans go into this game with a record of 30-30. Unfortunately they are 13-18 without Zion Williamson. The pelicans are 10-20 on the way. They are also 4-6 in the last 10 games. The Knicks are 34-27. Also, they’re 16-15 at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks are also 7-3 in their last 10 games.
The Pelicans and Knicks have split their last 10 games against each other. Also, the Pelicans are 5-5 in their last 10 games at Madison Square Garden.
Here are the Pelicans-Knicks NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel
NBA Odds: Pelicans Knicks Odds
New Orleans Pelicans: +2.5 (-110)
New York Knicks: -2.5 (-110)
About: 224 (-110)
Below: 224 (-110)
How to watch Pelicans vs Knicks
Television: MSG and BSNO
Streaming: NBA
Time: 7:30pm ET/4:30pm PT
*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Why the pelicans could cover the spread
The Pelicans are still without Williamson. Unfortunately, he missed 60 percent of possible games in his career. But he is just weeks away from his return and the Pelicans will have to continue playing without him.
Ingram leads the Pelicans with 23 points per game. In addition, he takes the gap and lifts the Pelicans up with his shot on goal. McCollum averages 21.2 points per game. Ultimately, he shows why the Pelicans signed him. Valanciuanas averages 14.4 points per game and 9.8 rebounds. So New Orleans relies on him to win the battle of the boards.
The Pelicans rank 11th in field goal shooting, 18th in 3-point shooting, and 17th in free throw shooting. Also, they rank ninth on the boards. The Pelicans struggle to handle or defend the ball and rank 21st in turnovers and 23rd in blocked shots.
The pelicans will cover the spread if they can hit their shots and win the battle on the boards. They also have to stop Randle from running away.
Why the Knicks could cover the spread
The Knicks are in good shape with 21 games left and can continue their playoff push today. Now they have a chance to get some wins and improve their position.
Randle is amazing with 24.8 points per game and 10.8 rebounds. Significantly, he continues to shine and deliver. Brunson is just as great at 23.9 points per game and 6.9 assists. Essentially, he puts out buckets on nights when Randle isn’t always in charge. Barrett is averaging 19.7 points per game, providing the third scoring opportunity. However, the Knicks just acquired someone who will become their fourth option. The Knicks recently traded for Josh Hart, who has averaged 17 points a game in the last three games since arriving in New York.
The Knicks traded for him because they had difficulty shooting and finished 24th in field goal shooting, 23rd in 3-point shooting, and 23rd in free throw shooting. Now they’ve added another option that can hit shots from anywhere on the pitch. The Knicks continue to amazing on the boards and rank fourth in rebounds. Additionally, the Knicks handle the ball well and rank second in turnovers. But the Knicks need to improve on the defensive end and finish 24th in blocked shots.
The Knicks will cover the spread if they can hit their shots and make some good plays. Likewise, the Knicks must stop Ingram and McCollum from assuming power.
Final Pelicans-Knicks Prediction & Selection
The pelicans are still suffering. Consequently, they could fight again, even against a team from New York that played last night. Expect the Knicks to find a way.
Final Pelicans-Knicks Prediction & Pick: New York Knicks: -2.5 (-110)