The New Orleans Pelicans (34-24) travel to the New York Knicks (35-23) to play at Madison Square Garden. Although the talk surrounds the latest controversial ending, both teams need a win to maintain their place in the conference standings.
Although both would make the playoffs if it were to start today, they want to keep winning to avoid the play-in. However, they’ve both had a bad loss in their last two games. The hosts got boat-raced playing the Boston Celtics. Meanwhile, the visitors lost at home to the Chicago Bulls.
With this being the second game between them this year, do you see the home team evening up the series?
New Orleans Pelicans vs New York Knicks Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| New Orleans Pelicans | -3 -112 |
O 218.5 -108 |
-162 |
| New York Knicks | +3 -108 |
U 218.5 -112 |
+136 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings SportsBook** | |||
Fixture: New Orleans Pelicans @ New York Knicks
Date And Time: February 27, 2024 @ 7:30 p.m. EST
Location: Madison Square Garden in New York, New York
New Orleans Pelicans (Averages)
Points: 116.1
Points Allowed: 112.0
Field Goal Efficiency: 42.9/88.2 for 48.6%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 12.1/32.4 for 37.5%
Free Throw Efficiency: 18.1/23.7 for 76.3%
Rebounds: 11.0 Offensive, 33.4 Defensive, 44.4 Combined
Assists: 27.1
Steals: 8.4
Blocks: 4.9
Turnovers: 12.7
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 40.7/87.7 for 46.4%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.4/38.7 for 34.7%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 17.3/22.0 for 78.4%
Rebounds Against: 10.1 Offensive, 32.2 Defensive, 42.3 Combined
New Orleans may try to make a run this year. They have a young corps, but health concerns could make this something of a must-win year. At the least, they need to go far and take advantage of their stars being mostly healthy this year. They’re on a two-game losing streak and need to ensure that they don’t fall further into a deeply contested Western Conference. However, Jose Alvarado is out as part of his suspension. Therefore, he will miss the game against the New York Knicks.
Zion Williamson vs Rockets
27 PTS
3 REB
9 AST
2 STL
12/21 FG#Pelicans W pic.twitter.com/CrIc52HHcK— A Walking Highlight (@11AWH) February 23, 2024
Additionally, Zion Williamson is questionable with a foot injury. But if he is able to play then it will be a matchup concern for the New York Knicks. But Brandon Ingram looks good to go and should play. But if Williamson is not able to go, then their frontcourt advantage would be mitigated against the New York Knicks. But not being able to play with Alvarado is going to hurt, especially against the backcourt of the Knicks.
New York Knicks (Averages)
Points: 114.2
Points Allowed: 109.8
Field Goal Efficiency: 41.5/88.9 for 46.7%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 13.0/35.2 for 36.9%
Free Throw Efficiency: 18.1/23.1 for 78.7%
Rebounds: 12.8 Offensive, 33.0 Defensive, 45.7 Combined
Assists: 23.6
Steals: 7.3
Blocks: 3.9
Turnovers: 12.4
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 40.9/86.3 for 47.4%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 12.8/34.6 for 37.0%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 15.2/19.9 for 76.1%
Rebounds Against: 9.9 Offensive, 30.3 Defensive, 40.2 Combined
New York is a team caught in between two places. Some view them as contenders, but they are waiting for them to get some players back. Additionally, before the run of injuries, this looked like a dangerous team. But since before the All-Star Break until now they aren’t looking as strong as they were then. But a win against the Pelicans would be a good first step for the New York Knicks.
Additionally, Jalen Brunson is the centerpiece of this offense. However, defensively he needs a good supporting cast around to help to make up for the defensive deficiencies and lack of size in certain areas on this roster. Therefore Isaiah Hartenstein remains one of the most important players for the New York Knicks. But considering how they’ve played it should be a game that the Pelicans will overall struggle with.
Game Prediction
I see the New York Knicks winning this game tonight. Even though the New Orleans Pelicans are favored, I see this line as a mistake. Even though they aren’t favored, the Knicks are going to win outright, and I feel comfortable giving up the points. Furthermore, the over is the play here. Both defenses tend to struggle and both offenses are likely to get it going tonight. Especially with Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, he should have another great day.
Final Pick
New York Knicks MoneyLine and Over 218.5
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
