New York Knicks vs. New Orleans Pelicans Prediction and Picks - December 29, 2025
The New York Knicks (22-9) travel to the Big Easy this Monday to face the New Orleans Pelicans (8-25) at the Smoothie King Center. The Knicks are currently one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference, sitting in second place and coming off consecutive nail-biting wins over Cleveland and Atlanta. Conversely, the Pelicans are mired in a three-game losing skid, struggling to find consistent rhythm amidst a flurry of injuries to their backcourt. While New Orleans has shown they can be competitive at home (winning 13 of 20 against the spread in their own building), the Knicks arrive with a high-powered offense and a clear talent advantage as they look to keep pace with the top-seeded Celtics.
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New York Knicks: Brunson and Towns Leading the Charge
The Knicks’ offense has been a juggernaut lately, averaging 120.5 points per game (3rd in the NBA). Jalen Brunson continues his All-NBA caliber season, averaging 29.5 points and 6.4 assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns has provided the elite interior presence New York craved, recently posting a massive 36-point, 16-rebound double-double.
However, the Knicks are dealing with some key depth issues. Josh Hart (ankle) is expected to be out until early January, and Miles McBride is a game-time decision. Without Hart's versatile defense and rebounding, more pressure will fall on Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby to contain the Pelicans' perimeter threats. Despite these injuries, the Knicks have remained resilient, boasting a 17-11 record against the spread when listed as favorites this season.
New Orleans Pelicans: Searching for an Identity
It has been a difficult season for New Orleans, but there are signs of life in their young core. Trey Murphy III has stepped into a leading role with 20.6 points per game, and rookie center Derik Queen has been a double-double machine since moving into the starting lineup. The Pelicans are also hoping for the return of Herbert Jones (ankle), whose defensive presence is vital against a playmaker like Brunson.
The Pelicans' biggest struggle is on the defensive end, where they allow 122.6 points per game (28th in the NBA). While Zion Williamson has provided a spark off the bench recently, scoring 20 points in his last outing, the team is still missing the steady playmaking of Dejounte Murray (Achilles). For New Orleans to cover the +8.5 spread, they must exploit New York's lack of depth and hope their home-court advantage continues to help them exceed betting expectations.
Expert Picks and Predictions
Knicks vs Pelicans ATS Pick
- New York Knicks -8.5
I am laying the points with the Knicks. While New Orleans has been decent against the spread at home, the talent gap here is simply too wide to ignore. The Pelicans' defense is one of the worst in the league, and they are facing a New York team that is 3rd in scoring and 3rd in rebounding. New York is 6-0-1 against the spread this season when favored by 8.5 points or more, and I expect Brunson and Towns to dominate a Pelicans frontcourt that has struggled to contain elite scorers. Expect a 122–110 type of victory for the visitors.
Pelicans vs Knicks O/U Pick
- Under 240.5
I am leaning toward the Under on this high total. While both teams have defensive flaws, the Knicks are missing Josh Hart, who is a primary engine for their transition game and offensive rebounding. Without him, and potentially without McBride, the Knicks may play a more half-court oriented game through Towns and Brunson. Additionally, Pelicans games have trended under in their last two matchups against Phoenix, and with both teams missing secondary playmakers, this game is more likely to settle in the 230–235 total range.
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