New Orleans Pelicans vs New York Knicks Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Knicks Aim to Build Momentum Against Struggling Pelicans

The New York Knicks, riding high after a dominant performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves, turn their focus to a depleted New Orleans Pelicans team on Saturday night in the Big Easy. With the Pelicans enduring a rough stretch, the Knicks have a prime opportunity to keep their momentum rolling as they navigate a favorable stretch in their schedule.

Knicks Thriving After Blockbuster Moves

New York showcased its championship aspirations on Thursday with a 133-107 thrashing of Minnesota. Karl-Anthony Towns, in his first game back in Minnesota since the Knicks acquired him in an offseason blockbuster trade, delivered a statement performance with 32 points and 20 rebounds. Fellow newcomer Mikal Bridges chipped in with 29 points, including a dominant second quarter where the duo combined for 27 points.

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Jalen Brunson praised Towns for his intensity, saying, “The way ‘KAT’ performed was ridiculous. He came out ready to play, and we’re happy we got the win.”

The Knicks are positioned to make a strong push to close out 2024, with five of their next seven games against teams near the bottom of the league standings. Saturday’s matchup against the injury-riddled Pelicans offers another opportunity for New York to bolster its record and confidence.

Pelicans Struggling with Injuries and Consistency

The Pelicans’ woes continued Thursday in a 133-113 loss to the Houston Rockets, their 20th defeat in the past 22 games. New Orleans has faced a constant shuffle of lineups this season, with injuries to key players like Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Daniel Theis disrupting any chance of building cohesion.

Williamson has been sidelined since early November with a hamstring injury, and Ingram remains out indefinitely after spraining his left ankle on Dec. 14. While C.J. McCollum and Herbert Jones have returned from their respective injuries, their presence hasn’t been enough to stabilize the team.

Coach Willie Green lamented the Pelicans’ inability to capitalize on key moments, saying, “We worked our tails off to get back in it, and then we made a turnover here, a turnover there, and they go back and score. We’ve got to cut out the mistakes.”

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Key Matchups to Watch

• Karl-Anthony Towns vs. New Orleans’ Frontcourt: Towns’ recent form has been electric, and with New Orleans lacking key contributors in the paint, he could be primed for another dominant outing.
• Knicks’ Depth: New York may see the return of Josh Hart, a versatile player averaging 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. His presence would further bolster a Knicks lineup already clicking on all cylinders.
• Pelicans’ Resilience: Without Williamson and Ingram, the Pelicans will need big performances from McCollum and Jones to stay competitive. Rookie forward Jordan Hawkins has shown flashes of potential and could be a factor.

Outlook

The Knicks appear poised to continue their surge as they face a Pelicans squad hampered by injuries and inconsistent play. For New Orleans, the focus remains on development and finding stability amid a challenging season. With a strong performance on Saturday, the Knicks can solidify their status as one of the league’s most dangerous teams heading into the new year.