New York Knicks vs New Orleans Pelicans Picks and Predictions December 1st 2024

At 6:00 ET, the New Orleans Pelicans (4-16) will travel to Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks (11-8). The Knicks are currently favored by 12 points and have a moneyline of -747. The Pelicans, who are 15th in the Western Conference, have lost seven straight games and have a moneyline of +525.

This non-conference matchup can be seen on MSG.

Pelicans vs. Knicks Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: New Orleans Pelicans at New York Knicks
• Where: New York at Madison Square Garden
• Date: Sunday, December 1st
• Betting Odds NY -12, NO +525 | NY -747 O/U 226

The Pelicans Can Win If…

The Pelicans fell to 4-16 on the season after a 120-109 road loss to the Grizzlies on Friday. New Orleans entered the game as +12 point underdogs and managed to cover the spread, losing by 11. The total points for the game were 229, just under the O/U line of 232.

New Orleans trailed 67-56 at halftime after losing the 2nd quarter 35-28. They edged Memphis 26-25 in the 3rd but couldn’t close the gap, as the Grizzlies outscored them 28-27 in the 4th.

In their 120-109 loss to the Grizzlies, the Pelicans shot just 41.8% from the field and made only 9 three-pointers at a 31% clip. CJ McCollum led the way with 30 points, hitting 3 threes at 42.9% efficiency.

Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy each added 21 points, though both struggled from the field. McCollum scored 13 points in the 4th quarter, while Murphy added 8 in the final frame.

Defensively, the Pelicans struggled in the 2nd quarter, giving up 35 points, but they managed to tighten things up in the 3rd, allowing just 25. Overall, they allowed 120 points on 49% shooting from the Grizzlies.

New Orleans did well in defending the three, holding Memphis to 12 made threes on 29% shooting. The Pelicans also sent the Grizzlies to the line 17 times, where they made 14 free throws. Defensively, the Pelicans recorded 9 steals and 7 blocks.

• In their last five games away from home, the Pelicans have a straight up record of 0-5 while going 2-3 vs. the spread. The team averaged 99 points per game in this stretch.
• In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Pelicans have a straight up record of 0-3 and an ATS mark of 3-0.
• Over their last five games, the Pelicans have an over/under record of 1-4 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.

The Knicks Can Win If…

The Knicks improved to 11-8 on the season with a 99-98 win over the Hornets on Friday. New York was favored by 12.5 points but didn’t cover the spread, and the game’s total points of 197 fell well short of the 220-point O/U line.

New York went on a 10-0 run, extending their lead from 45-38 to 55-38. They outscored Charlotte 31-26 in the 2nd quarter and 25-23 in the 3rd, entering the 4th quarter down 72-71 but finished strong, outscoring the Hornets 28-26 in the final period.

Jalen Brunson led the Knicks to a 99-98 win over the Hornets, scoring 31 points, 11 of which came in the 4th quarter. He also added 6 assists and 6 rebounds, shooting 50% from the field and hitting 4 threes at a 66.7% rate.

Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Miles McBride chipped in 14 points, shooting 55.6%. The Knicks made 12 threes, shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc, and finished with an overall field goal percentage of 44.4%.

The Knicks’ defense held strong, allowing just 98 points in their win over the Hornets. They gave up 23 points in both the 1st and 3rd quarters, and 26 points in the 2nd and 4th. Overall, they limited Charlotte to 40% shooting from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Hornets hit 15 threes at a 31% clip. The Knicks also sent them to the line 15 times, where they made 11 free throws. Defensively, New York recorded 7 steals and 5 blocks.

• In their last five games at home, the Knicks have a straight up record of 3-2 while going 2-3 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 120 points per game in these contests.
• The last three games that New York was favored, they have an ATS mark of 0-3 while going 1-2 straight up.
• In their last three games, the Knicks have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 2-1 vs. the spread.

The Lean

Not only do we have the Knicks winning this one by a score of 123-95, but we see them covering the spread. Our pick is to grab the Knicks at -12.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 226 and our model has the Pelicans and Knicks finishing with a combined 218 points. Our pick is to take the under.

Knicks Look to Build Momentum Before NBA Cup Showdown

The New York Knicks have a lot riding on their upcoming games. A shot at the NBA Cup quarterfinals is within reach as they prepare for a pivotal Tuesday contest against the Orlando Magic. First, however, the Knicks must navigate a Sunday night matchup against the struggling New Orleans Pelicans at Madison Square Garden.

Knicks Chase Consistency Amid Playoff Aspirations

New York (11-6) has shown glimpses of championship potential this season, sitting among the Eastern Conference’s top teams. However, consistency has been elusive. Outside of a four-game winning streak earlier this month, the Knicks have alternated wins and losses, including a hard-fought 99-98 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday.

• Recent Performance: The Knicks overcame a six-point deficit late in the fourth quarter against Charlotte, buoyed by Jalen Brunson’s clutch 31-point performance.
• Jalen Brunson’s Leadership: “We kept fighting and found a way to get a win,” Brunson said, reflecting the team’s determination to finish strong.

The Knicks now return home after a challenging five-game road trip and aim to build momentum heading into Tuesday’s high-stakes NBA Cup matchup against the Orlando Magic.

Pelicans’ Struggles Amplified by Injuries

The New Orleans Pelicans (4-16) are on the opposite trajectory. Injuries have ravaged their roster, leaving them at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

• Injury Woes: The Pelicans have had their ideal starting five—Brandon Ingram, Herbert Jones, C.J. McCollum, Daniel Theis, and Zion Williamson—available for just three games this season.
  • Brandon Ingram: Day-to-day with a right calf injury (missed last three games).
  • Herbert Jones (shoulder) and Zion Williamson (hamstring): Out indefinitely.
• Recent Struggles: New Orleans has lost seven straight games and is 1-13 in its last 14.

Despite their challenges, the Pelicans have kept many games competitive, including Friday’s 120-109 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Coach Willie Green highlighted missed opportunities during critical stretches as a key issue.

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Key Matchup: Knicks’ Depth vs. Pelicans’ Resilience

The Knicks’ depth will be tested against a Pelicans team fighting to stay competitive despite its injury-depleted roster.

For the Knicks:

• Jalen Brunson: Coming off a standout performance, he’s the focal point of the Knicks’ offense.
• Julius Randle: Averaging 19.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, Randle is key to New York’s interior dominance.

For the Pelicans:

• C.J. McCollum: Expected to shoulder the scoring load in Ingram and Williamson’s absence.
• Trey Murphy III: Offers a spark with his scoring and defensive capabilities.

Game Implications

• Knicks: A win could further solidify their position as one of the East’s top teams while providing momentum for Tuesday’s NBA Cup showdown.
• Pelicans: Despite their struggles, a strong effort could boost morale and help them remain competitive in a tough Western Conference.

Prediction

The Knicks’ home-court advantage and superior depth make them favorites to extend New Orleans’ losing streak. Expect Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle to lead the charge as the Knicks continue building toward bigger goals.

Final Score Prediction: Knicks 110, Pelicans 98