Pelicans vs Knicks: Injury-Plagued Pelicans Face Uphill Battle Against Resilient Knicks

The New Orleans Pelicans are set to face the New York Knicks on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at Madison Square Garden, but the Pelicans’ chances look bleak due to a slew of injuries. The Pelicans, who have lost eight consecutive games, will be without key players Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, Jose Alvarado, Jordan Hawkins, and Herb Jones.

The Knicks, despite their own injury issues with Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa out, are in a more favorable position. They have won six of their last eight games and are coming off a narrow 99-98 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 31 points, six rebounds, and six assists in that game, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 19 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists.

The betting odds heavily favor the Knicks, with a spread of New York -12.5 and an over/under of 224.5 points. The Pelicans’ recent form has been dismal, losing 16 of their last 18 games, and they have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games against Eastern Conference opponents with a winning record.

Karl-Anthony Towns is expected to be a key player for the Knicks, given the Pelicans’ depleted frontcourt. Towns averages 25.8 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, making him a strong candidate to exceed his combo prop of 41.5 points, rebounds, and assists.

The game will be broadcast on MSG and Bally Sports, with tip-off scheduled for 6:00 PM ET at Madison Square Garden.