New York Knicks vs New Orleans Pelicans Betting Pick & Prediction for 12/29
The New York Knicks will play against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The game is set for Monday, December 29, 2025, at 8:00 PM. Fans can catch the action on the Gulf TV channel.
The Knicks come into this game with a record of 22-9, showing strong play this season. They are ranked second in the Eastern Conference and first in the Atlantic Division. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have struggled, holding a record of 8-25. They are last in the Western Conference and the Southwest Division.
Knicks vs Pelicans Game Day Info
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: New York Knicks vs. New Orleans Pelicans
- Venue: Smoothie King Center
- Date: Monday, December 29, 2025
- Knicks Spread: -8.5 (-112)
- Pelicans Spread: +8.5 (-109)
- Knicks MoneyLine: -354
- Pelicans MoneyLine: +283
- Over/Under: 243.5
New York Knicks Team Preview
The New York Knicks are heading into their next game with some momentum. They have won two of their last three games, including a narrow win over the Atlanta Hawks, 128-125. Karl-Anthony Towns led the way with 36 points and 15 rebounds in that game.
Jalen Brunson has been a key player for the Knicks this season. He is averaging 29.5 points per game, along with 6.4 assists. Brunson has shown consistency, scoring 34 points in both recent wins against the Hawks and the Cavaliers.
The Knicks will be without some players due to injuries. Josh Hart, Mitchell Robinson, and Landry Shamet are all out. Miles McBride is questionable with an ankle sprain. These absences might impact the team’s depth in their upcoming game.
New Orleans Pelicans Team Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans have struggled in recent games. They faced the Phoenix Suns twice at home, losing both times by single digits. In these games, Trey Murphy III stood out with his scoring and shooting accuracy.
On the season, the Pelicans score an average of 115.2 points per game. However, they allow 122.6 points per game, which ranks near the bottom of the league. Their defense will need to improve to turn their season around.
Zion Williamson is leading the team with an average of 21.7 points per game. Trey Murphy III also contributes with 20.6 points per game and excellent free throw shooting. Injuries and suspensions have impacted the team’s depth, with key players like Dejounte Murray and Herbert Jones out of action.
BTB Betting Pick
The Knicks are favored by 8.5 points against the Pelicans. Given the Knicks’ strong offense, ranking 3rd in points per game, and the Pelicans’ weak defense, ranking 28th in points allowed, the Knicks should cover the spread. The projected score is Knicks 126, Pelicans 110, making the Knicks -8.5 the pick.
The total for the game is set at 243.5 points. The Knicks allow 113.7 points per game, while the Pelicans score 115.2 points per game. Considering both teams’ stats, the total projected score is 236 points. Therefore, the under 243.5 is the recommendation.