New York Knicks vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 21

The New York Knicks end a three-game road swing with a rematch against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday. New York, which won 118-85 in the first meeting, will look to sustain its dominance over New Orleans. The healthy Knicks are raring to win their third straight road game.

The Pelicans, meanwhile, have been competitive, but their injury woes have been brutal. They host the Knicks without Jose Alvarado, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. Trey Murphy III has stepped up, but the hosts need more Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum.

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New York Knicks vs New Orleans Pelicans Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips

The Smoothie King Center in New Orleans will host the Knicks-Pelicans showdown. Basketball fans can also catch the action by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Knicks (-360) vs. Pelicans (+280)

Odds: Knicks (-8.5) vs. Pelicans (+8.5)

Total (O/U): Knicks (o226.0 -110) vs. Pelicans (u226.0 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

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New York Knicks vs New Orleans Pelicans preview

Since losing 108-100 to the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Cup semifinals, the New York Knicks have been on a roll. They whipped the Orlando Magic 100-91 on Dec. 15 before trampling the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday.

Jalen Brunson and Co. have been humming on both ends of the floor. They have a big chance to win another game if they don’t fall into complacency against the Pelicans.

Only the hapless Washington Wizards have a worse offensive rating than the New Orleans Pelicans. Without Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, the Pelicans have struggled to put up points. BI and Zanos remain out, so someone must step up to carry the offensive load.

Trey Murphy III has been doing his part, but the others haven't. New Orleans desperately needs Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum to answer the bell offensively. If the trio can’t carry the scoring load, the Pelicans could find it tough to snap out of their slump.

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New York Knicks vs New Orleans Pelicans predicted starting lineups

Knicks

PG: Jalen Brunson | SG: Josh Hart | SF: Mikal Bridges | PF: OG Anunoby | C: Karl-Anthony Towns

Pelicans

PG: Dejounte Murray | SG: CJ McCollum | SF: Trey Murphy III | PF: Herb Jones | C: Yves Missi

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New York Knicks vs New Orleans Pelicans betting tips

Jalen Brunson has had rollercoaster scoring games. The All-Star guard had 14, 31 and 14 points in his last three games. Against the Pelicans’ defense, he likely tops his 22.5 (O/U) points prop. New Orleans has struggled to stop guards, making it a good choice to bet over.

Trey Murphy III is averaging 18.8 points per game in December. He dropped 28 points on Thursday against the Houston Rockets’ elite defense. New York has Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart, but Murphy likely goes over his 15.5 (O/U) points prop.

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New York Knicks vs New Orleans Pelicans prediction

The Knicks have been sizzling hot in their last two games. Against the injury-riddled Pelicans, New York should beat the -8.5 odds and end its road swing with another dominant win.