Pelicans vs. Knicks NBA Preview and Best Bet (Archive)
The New Orleans Pelicans head to New York to take on the Knicks in Madison Square Garden. Both teams have two games losing streaks.
Which team will turn it around and be the winning NBA pick?
New Orleans Pelicans vs. New York Knicks
Thursday, January 20, 2022 – 07:30 PM EST at Madison Square Garden
New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans had an 18-point first-half lead on Monday in Boston against the Celtics, but they could not hold on and ended up succumbing 104-92. Jonas Valanciunas had 22 points and 14 rebounds, but that was not enough for the Pelicans to overcome the Celtics. At 16-28, the Pelicans need to reel off a bunch of wins in order to save their season.
The Pelicans are a dreadful 6-17 on the road this year. This will be the third game of their road trip. The Pelicans are 2-3 in their last five games and 4-6 over the last 10. Pelicans have a -4.6 point differential on the year.
The Pelicans are led in scoring by Brandon Ingram at 23 points per game. Ingram is a silky smooth small forward with the height to shoot over most defenders. Ingram has blossomed in New Orleans but the team has failed to put a strong supporting cast around him.
The Pelicans were counting on young players such as Kira Lewis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker to develop this season. So far this has been a disappointment. Both have shown flashes of brilliance yet lack the consistency the Pelicans were hoping for from their young prospects.
If these young players don't improve their play, the Pelicans will be drafting very high again at the end of the season.
New York Knicks
The excitement around the Knicks was high to start the season, but they have gone into a rut and are struggling to stay above 500. At 22-23 on the year, the Knicks would like this win tonight to move back to .500. The Knicks came in the season with high expectations, and it's safe to say that they are failing to meet them.
The Knicks have lost their last two games. They lost at home against Charlotte on Monday and then fell by 2 points to the Timberwolves on Tuesday night.
The loss to the Timberwolves was especially disappointing because they were ahead by five points with less than four minutes to play. This will be the third game of the homestand, but they are still looking for their first win.
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The Knicks are currently one game behind 10th place, which would qualify them for the play-in tournament. After being the fourth seed in the East last year, this is definitely a disappointment for Knicks fans. The Knicks made a move to bolster their roster by acquiring Cam Reddish from the Hawks in a trade last week.
Most NBA observers thought the trade was a great move for the Knicks. Cam Reddish is a great defender, who also has the ability to create his own shot and score off the dribble. Unfortunately for our handicap tonight, however, Cam Reddish is still sidelined with an ankle injury.
Key Matchup
Jonas Valanciunas vs. Mitchell Robinson
Jonas Valanciunas has been huge for the Pelicans this season. Valanciunas' ability to grab rebounds and score in the low post gives the Pelicans an extra option, especially when their young shooters are struggling.
Mitchell Robinson is a great defender and keys the Knicks' defense with his rim protection. If Robinson is able to take away Valanciunas from the Pelicans game plan and turn them into a perimeter-oriented team, the Knicks will have a great advantage.
If Valanciunas is able to have a big night inside and allow the Pelicans to get high-percentage shots in the half-court, the Pelicans have a great chance to get the win.
Best Bet
I'm going with the Knicks here as I don't think this Pelicans roster is very well-constructed. I like to bet against the Pelicans when they are on the road. Due to the Knicks' recent slump, we are getting very small NBA odds while taking the Knicks.
I think this line should be much higher and there's definitely value on New York in this matchup. I believe that Mitchell Robinson can turn the Pelicans into a perimeter-based offense, and the Knicks should be able to dominate. Today's play of the day is the New York Knicks -2.5.
NBA Pick: Knicks -2.5 (-110) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.