Last Updated Aug 30, 2021, 9:45 AM
Pelicans vs. Knicks Predictions, Odds, Preview
The New York Knicks will kick off a six-game homestand on Sunday afternoon. Their first opponent will be the wilting New Orleans Pelicans.
New Orleans is currently in 11th in the Western Conference with a 25-31 record, and this team is in real danger of missing out on the play-ins for the NBA Playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Knicks are looking to finish in the top six in the Eastern Conference in order to avoid the play-ins.
Pelicans vs. Knicks Betting Resources
- Matchup: Eastern vs. Western Conference
- Expert Picks: Vegas Insiders
- Venue: Madison Square Garden
- Location: New York City, New York
- Date: Sunday, Apr. 18, 2021
- Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
- Bet: BetMGM | BetRivers | FanDuel | bet365 | DraftKings | Best Sportsbooks
Betting Odds - Pelicans vs. Knicks
Subject to Change
- Spread: Knicks -3
- Money-Line: New York -155, New Orleans +135
- Total: 218.5
Zion Williamson and the Pelicans look to avenge a home loss to the Knicks last week as the teams meet in New York. (AP)
Pelicans vs. Knicks Current Form-Last Game
Head coach Tom Thibodeau has the Knicks on the cusp of making the postseason for the first time in eight years. The first-year head coach has made this team much better with his defense-first mentality, and the Knicks are currently 30-27 thanks to a five-game winning streak.
New York knocked off the Grizzlies, Raptors, and Lakers at home before going on the road to beat the Pelicans and Mavericks a few days ago.
The Knicks shot the lights out from beyond the arc in Wednesday’s win over the Pelicans. They hit 51.5% of their threes as a team, while the Pelicans could only make 21.4% of their triples.
Julius Randle led all scorers with 32 points, and Alec Burks came off the bench to add 21 points in a 116-106 victory. The Pelicans’ bench went 1-of-12 from downtown.
Randle exploded for 44 points in the Knicks’ 117-109 road win over the Mavericks on Friday night. R.J. Barrett added 24 points as the Knicks shot 51.2% from the floor and 50% from outside the arc. Luka Doncic had 22 points and 19 assists, but it wasn’t enough for the hosts.
The Pelicans have been below .500 since early January. They haven’t been able to go on any long winning streaks this season, as their defense is one of the worst in the NBA.
New Orleans had won three straight games prior to its loss to New York on Wednesday night. The Pelicans knocked off the 76ers, Cavaliers, and Kings in a four-day stretch.
Zion Williamson had 37 points against the Sixers and 38 points against the Cavaliers, but it’s been Brandon Ingram that has led the Pelicans in scoring the last three games.
