New York Knicks vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction & Picks - NBA

Prediction published on 12/29/25, 4:42 PM  by Erik Gibbs in NBA Picks

The New Orleans Pelicans come into this matchup against the New York Knicks struggling to find stability. Their recent stretch has been marked by uneven performances, with losses piling up despite occasional flashes of competitiveness. Defensive consistency has been a major issue, as New Orleans has repeatedly allowed opponents to build large scoring drives, particularly in the second half of games.

Even when the Pelicans manage to keep games close early, they have often faded after halftime, suggesting ongoing problems with execution and rotations. At home, results have not been significantly stronger, and the overall trend points to a team still searching for rhythm and cohesion.

The New York Knicks arrive in far stronger form. Over their last several games, they have been winning consistently and showing resilience in tight contests. New York has been especially effective at controlling pace, limiting turnovers, and closing games late. Their recent road performances have also been encouraging, with multiple victories against competitive opponents.

Defensively, the Knicks have limited opponents' efficiency and forced difficult shots, which has allowed them to remain competitive even on nights when scoring slows. Overall, their recent results suggest a team comfortable in close games and confident in its structure.