New Orleans Pelicans Look to Snap Skid, New York Knicks Eye Another Win

New Orleans Pelicans vs New York Knicks: Game Preview, Key Stats, and Predictions

As the NBA season heats up, the New Orleans Pelicans (4-16) are desperate to turn their fortunes around as they visit the New York Knicks (11-8) for a Sunday night showdown. The Pelicans, mired in a seven-game losing streak, are looking to snap their slump, while the Knicks are riding a wave of success, winning six of their last eight games. This interconference matchup in the Big Apple promises to be a battle of contrasting momentum.

Pelicans Struggling to Find Their Rhythm

The New Orleans Pelicans enter this game having endured a brutal stretch, with their most recent loss coming at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies in a 120-109 defeat on Friday. Despite covering the 11.5-point spread, the Pelicans were unable to recover from a slow start and never truly threatened Memphis after trailing by double digits at halftime. CJ McCollum led the charge with 30 points, but the Pelicans’ offensive inefficiencies and defensive lapses ultimately doomed them.

Offensively, New Orleans continues to be one of the least effective teams in the league. Ranked 30th in scoring offense (103.8 PPG), the Pelicans have struggled to find consistent scoring outside of Brandon Ingram (22.9 PPG) and Zion Williamson (22.7 PPG). Ingram has been a primary facilitator as well, contributing 5.4 assists per game, while Williamson is averaging 8 rebounds. However, the team ranks 27th in field goal percentage (43.6%) and 30th in three-point shooting (33.3%), making it difficult for them to keep up in high-scoring games.

While the Pelicans are solid in rebounding (16th in the league with 43.6 RPG), their overall offensive struggles have hindered their ability to win games. Their 25th-ranked defense (115.6 PPG allowed) also leaves them vulnerable, particularly against teams with high-scoring offenses like the Knicks.

New York Knicks: Hot Streak and Strong Offensive Play

The New York Knicks are playing some of their best basketball of the season, entering this game with a record of 11-8 and positioned second in the competitive Atlantic Division. Despite a closer-than-expected 99-98 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, the Knicks have proven to be a force to be reckoned with. The Knicks’ resilience was on display as they rallied from behind in the second half, with Jalen Brunson leading the way with 31 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.

The Knicks’ offensive firepower has been impressive, ranking 5th in scoring with 117.8 PPG. They are also 2nd in field goal percentage (49.9%) and 3rd in three-point shooting (39%), making them one of the most efficient offensive teams in the league. Jalen Brunson has emerged as the team’s primary scorer, averaging 25.9 points and 7.8 assists per game, while Karl-Anthony Towns has been a double-double machine, posting 25.8 PPG, 12.7 RPG, and 3.3 APG.

New York’s supporting cast has also contributed significantly. OG Anunoby (17.9 PPG), Mikal Bridges (15.5 PPG), and Josh Hart (13.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG) provide the Knicks with a well-rounded attack. However, the Knicks have not been without their issues. Ranked 25th in rebounding (41.8 RPG), they can sometimes struggle to secure boards, which could be a potential weakness against a team like the Pelicans, who do a decent job on the glass.

Despite their defensive inconsistencies (16th in scoring defense, 112.8 PPG allowed), New York has been able to outpace opponents with their efficient scoring. If the Knicks continue to shoot well from the field and share the ball effectively, they should be in a strong position to win.

Conclusion

While New Orleans has the talent to turn things around, their ongoing struggles with shooting, defense, and scoring consistency make them a heavy underdog in this matchup. The Knicks, on the other hand, are playing at a high level, especially on the offensive end, and have the depth to overpower the Pelicans.

With their high field goal percentage, three-point shooting, and strong contributions from key players like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks should be able to keep the Pelicans at arm’s length. New Orleans will need to address their shooting woes and find a way to slow down the Knicks’ offensive juggernaut to have a chance at an upset.

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