The New York Knicks (19-23) challenge the New Orleans Pelicans (21-20) at Madison Square Garden. The game starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 14, 2018, and will air on MSG Network.
New Orleans is a 1.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 217 points.
New Orleans Pelicans at New York Knicks Free Prediction
In the Pelicans’ last outing, they topped the Portland Trail Blazers, 119-113. One of New Orleans’ largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 22-23 (95.7 percent), while the Trail Blazers were 11-14 (78.6 percent). New Orleans received a boost from DeMarcus Cousins, who recorded 24 points, 19 rebounds and eight assists.
The Knicks fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last matchup, 118-108. Minnesota out-rebounded New York. The Timberwolves had more offensive rebounds (16 vs. nine) and total rebounds (43 vs. 36). New York’s Kristaps Porzingis put up 17 points and 10 rebounds in the game.
The offensive glass could be a major advantage for New York in this meeting. The Knicks rank fourth in offensive rebounding percentage (25.5 percent), while New Orleans ranks 20th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.8 percent).
New Orleans comes into the contest with records of 21-20 straight up (SU) and 22-19 against the spread (ATS). Games involving the Pelicans have typically finished over the total (58.5 percent).
Meanwhile, New York is 19-23 SU and 22-20 ATS. Vegas is extremely precise when setting the total of Knicks games, with an even split between overs and unders.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Pelicans lost 105-103, unable to cover as 5.5-point favorites. Cousins had 29 points and 19 rebounds. The game finished with a total of 208 points, which was 8.5 points below the projected point total of 216.5 points. New York out-rebounded New Orleans. The Knicks had nine offensive rebounds and 51 total rebounds, while the Pelicans had four and 48, respectively.
New Orleans Pelicans at New York Knicks Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Knicks, ATS Winner – Knicks, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, New Orleans is 12-9 ATS with 11 unders and 10 overs.
New York is 15-8 ATS at home with 12 unders and 11 overs.
In games where they allow below 100 points, New York is 9-1 and New Orleans is 7-0.
The Pelicans are 19-14 when they reach the century mark, while the Knicks are 18-12.
New York ranks third in points allowed in the paint per game (41.0) while New Orleans ranks 25th (46.6).
The Knicks rank third in second chance points per game (14.4) while the Pelicans rank 25th in second chance points allowed per game (13.4).
New Orleans ranks 10th in fast break points per game (13.1) while New York ranks 29th (6.5).
The Pelicans rank 14th in three pointers attempted per game (29.2) while the Knicks rank last (21.3).
New Orleans averages 26.4 assists per game, which ranks second in the league. New York ranks 16th in assists allowed per game (22.8).
The Knicks rank fourth in rebounds allowed per game (41.5) while the Pelicans rank 17th (43.4).
New Orleans ranks 19th in points off turnovers per game (15.9) while New York ranks 26th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.5).
The Pelicans rank 20th in steals per game (7.2) while the Knicks rank 26th (6.9).
New Orleans averages 5.0 blocks per game, which ranks 12th in the league. New York ranks 16th in blocks allowed per game (4.9).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, New Orleans is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
New York is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Pelicans’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.4, up from 0.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Knicks have scored an average of 106.6 points per game (2.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 112.8 points per game (8.1 above their season average).
