Knicks vs. Pelicans Pick
Can the host New Orleans Pelicans take down the upset-minded New York Knicks tonight at 7PM ET?’
Who Oddsmakers Like: According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the Pelicans are a 5.5-point favorite on the spread line. The total sits at 217 points. The Pelicans opened as an 8.5-point favorite, while the total has risen from 215.
Who the Public Likes: As of Saturday morning, 54 percent of public bettors are siding with host New Orleans.
Injury Report: Knicks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. has a stress reaction in his leg and will be out until early January. For New Orleans, Tony Allen is out for three-to-four weeks with a leg injury. Center Alex Ajinca is out for the season with a knee injury. Solomon Hill will return from a hamstring pull sometime in February.
Who the Trends Like: The under is 5-0 in the last five meetings and 5-1 in the last five meetings in New Orleans. New York is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games after losing by 10 or more points the previous game.
Who We Like: New Orleans is on a home back-to-back and will be a little salty after falling to an inferior Mavericks team the day before. I like the Pelicans here. Kanter is not a great individual center and will struggle to contain DeMarcus Cousins. Anthony Davis will have to deal with the long arms of Kristaps Porzingis, but Davis is basically matchup-proof and his biggest concer is always whether he will stay healthy through the entire game. The Knicks struggle to defend point guards and Pelicans veteran guard Rajon Rondo is coming off a recent 25-assist game which set a franchise record. Look for a big first quarter and cruise control from there for the hosts.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: NEW ORLEANS PELICANS -5.5
