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Pelicans vs. Knicks Predictions, Odds and Best Bets For Monday, December 29

Akash

The Pelicans come into this matchup in a difficult place, having dropped three straight and sitting at the bottom of the West at 8–25. Zion Williamson has been their most efficient scorer, but missing roughly half the season has left New Orleans without the stability or talent needed to compete, especially after several key offensive players departed.

Meanwhile, the Knicks are moving in the opposite direction, building momentum after winning the NBA Cup and edging Atlanta 128–125 behind big nights from Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson. With a top-tier offense and a strong core, New York enters this meeting looking far more complete and confident.

Game Details

  • When: Monday, December 29, 2025 at 7:00 PM CT
  • Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
  • TV: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network

Recommended Bet and Updated Odds

Recommended BetFanDuelBetMGM
Jalen Brunson 30+ Points-104-125

Analysis and Rationale

Jalen Brunson is in a strong scoring rhythm and remains one of the Knicks’ primary offensive engines. In their most recent game, he poured in 34 points on the road against Atlanta, showing the same aggressive shot creation that has defined his role under Mike Brown.

With New York owning one of the league’s top offensive ratings and relying heavily on its core four, Brunson consistently gets the volume needed to reach the 30‑point mark. Given the Pelicans’ bottom‑tier defense and overall struggles, this matchup sets up well for another high‑usage scoring night from him.

Pelicans vs. Knicks Prediction

The Pelicans enter this matchup in a downward spiral, sitting at 8–25 and coming off three straight losses. Zion Williamson has been their most efficient scorer, but missing roughly half the season has left New Orleans without stability, and a weakened roster now ranks among the league’s worst on both ends. The Knicks, meanwhile, are trending sharply upward.

Fresh off an NBA Cup title and a 128–125 win in Atlanta, they’re powered by Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges, forming one of the league’s strongest cores. With a top‑four offense and far more cohesion, New York holds a clear advantage in this matchup.

Pelicans vs. Knicks Betting Odds and Spread

MarketNew Orleans PelicansNew York Knicks
Money Line+275-350
Spread+8.5 (-110)-8.5 (-110)
TotalO 246.5 (-110)O 246.5 (-110)

Pelicans vs. Knicks Best Bets

Here are the over/under and best player bets for the New Orleans Pelicans, and the New York Knicks, according to FanDuel.

New Orleans Pelicans Over/Under Odds

Over/Under BetsOverUnder
New Orleans Pelicans Total Points 119.5-105-115
Derik Queen Assists 4.5+122-162

New Orleans Pelicans Best Player Bets

  • Zion Williamson 20+ Points : -128
  • Derik Queen 4+ Rebounds : -1600

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New York Knicks Over/Under Odds

Over/Under BetsOverUnder
New York Knicks Total Points 128.5-104-118
Jalen Brunson Points 28.5-132+100

New York Knicks Best Player Bets

  • Jalen Brunson 3+ Threes : -154
  • Karl-Anthony Towns Double-Double : -550

The odds given above are sourced from FanDuel. Use FanDuel to ace your betting game across all sports.

Who is favored in the Pelicans vs. Knicks matchup

New York is the clear favorite, listed at –355 on FanDuel and –350 on BetMGM, reflecting their strong form and top‑tier offensive play.

What are the Pelicans’ odds to win

New Orleans enters as the underdog at +270 on FanDuel and +275 on BetMGM, offering higher payout potential but signaling low expectations based on recent struggles.

Why are the Knicks favored

New York’s core of Towns, Brunson, Anunoby, and Bridges has been producing at a high level, and their overall offensive efficiency far surpasses a Pelicans team sitting at the bottom of the West.