The New York Knicks and the New Orleans Pelicans squared off on December 29, 2025, in a matchup that drew plenty of attention from NBA fans and sports bettors alike. The game, staged at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, tipped off at 8 p.m. ET and was broadcast across Gulf Coast Sports, Pelicans+, and MSG, with streaming available on Fubo. This interconference battle featured two teams at very different points in their season trajectories, with the Knicks surging in the Eastern Conference and the Pelicans looking to snap a three-game losing streak.
Heading into the contest, the Knicks boasted an impressive 23-9 record, riding a wave of momentum after winning two straight and posting an 8-2 tally over their last ten outings. Their most recent victory was a nail-biter against the Atlanta Hawks, where they nearly squandered an 18-point lead but ultimately prevailed 128-125, thanks in part to OG Anunoby’s clutch free throws and a monster performance from Karl-Anthony Towns, who tallied 36 points and 15 rebounds. Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ star guard, continued his stellar season with 34 points in that game.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, entered the night at 8-25, languishing at the bottom of the Western Conference after dropping three straight games, including back-to-back losses to the Phoenix Suns. Their most recent defeat—a 123-114 setback at home—saw them claw back to within two points late but ultimately fall short as the Suns never relinquished their lead after grabbing it early in the second quarter. New Orleans’ home record stood at a disappointing 6-14, and their defensive struggles were evident, allowing an average of 126.3 points per game during their losing skid.
Both teams faced significant injury concerns before tip-off. The Knicks’ injury report listed Josh Hart (ankle), Mitchell Robinson (ankle), and Landry Shamet (shoulder) as out, while Miles McBride (ankle) was questionable and Tyler Kolek (ankle) was also being monitored. The Pelicans were without Dejounte Murray (leg), Herbert Jones (ankle), and Jose Alvarado (suspension), with Trey Alexander (probable) and Hunter Dickinson (out) also noted. The absence of key defenders for New Orleans, particularly Herbert Jones and Jose Alvarado, was expected to make life difficult against the Knicks’ high-powered offense.
Betting markets reflected the teams’ divergent fortunes. The Knicks entered as heavy road favorites, with most sportsbooks listing them at -8.5 on the spread and a moneyline hovering around -350. The Pelicans, clear underdogs, were available at +8.5 on the spread and +280 on the moneyline. The over/under was set at a whopping 246.5 points, highlighting expectations for an offensive showcase.
Statistically, the matchup offered intriguing storylines. The Knicks were scoring just 2.1 fewer points per contest (120.5) than the Pelicans allowed on average (122.6), suggesting New York’s offense was primed for a big night. On the flip side, the Pelicans were averaging 115.2 points per game, slightly more than the Knicks’ defensive average of 113.7. The numbers hinted at a potentially high-scoring affair, especially given the Pelicans’ recent defensive woes.
Jalen Brunson, in particular, was the focus for many analysts and bettors. Averaging 29.5 points per game on the season while shooting a robust 48% from the field and 38% from three, Brunson had scored 30 or more points in 16 of 28 games. With Josh Hart out and Miles McBride questionable, the Knicks were expected to lean even more heavily on Brunson’s scoring prowess. As one analyst put it, “With Josh Hart out on Monday and Miles McBride questionable, the Knicks may need even more from Brunson to pick up a road win.”
Despite their strong overall record, the Knicks had struggled on the road, holding a 6-7 record away from Madison Square Garden and a league-worst 3-10 mark against the spread in those games. This raised questions about whether New Orleans, despite their struggles, could keep things close or even pull off an upset. The Pelicans, for their part, had been more competitive at home than their record suggested, posting a 12-7-1 mark against the spread with an average scoring margin of -4.4 in those contests.
Predictions for the game varied, but consensus leaned toward a Knicks victory, albeit not necessarily a blowout. One widely cited forecast pegged the final score at Knicks 124, Pelicans 113, with the caveat that New York had not won by more than seven points in their last six games. The Pelicans, however, had dropped two of their last three by at least nine points, suggesting volatility on both sides.
Some analysts advised caution for bettors looking to back the Knicks on the spread, citing their road struggles and the Pelicans’ ability to cover at home. “The Knicks probably win this game, but I’m not buying them to win by such a wide margin,” one betting expert noted, recommending a play on Pelicans +8.5. The over/under also drew mixed opinions, with the Pelicans’ recent trend toward the under (four of their last five games) clashing with the Knicks’ offensive firepower.
Beyond the numbers, the matchup carried added intrigue as the Knicks continued their push for the No. 1 seed in the East. Having already swept the season series against the Pelicans with a 2-0 record, New York was looking to solidify its status as a title contender. The Pelicans, meanwhile, were searching for answers and a spark to turn their season around, hoping that a home crowd and a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality might help them halt their skid.
With so many key players sidelined, the game promised to be a test of depth and resilience for both squads. Would Brunson’s scoring barrage continue against a depleted Pelicans defense? Could Zion Williamson and the Pelicans’ supporting cast exploit the Knicks’ own injury woes? And might New Orleans’ underdog status fuel a surprise performance?
As the teams took the floor in New Orleans, the stage was set for a compelling showdown. Fans tuning in across the country and in the arena alike braced for a clash that, while lopsided on paper, held the potential for drama and fireworks. With the Knicks aiming to keep their Eastern Conference ambitions on track and the Pelicans desperate to snap their losing streak, every possession promised to matter.
The outcome of this contest remains in flux as action unfolds, but one thing’s for sure: both teams have plenty to prove as the NBA season charges into the new year.
