The New Orleans Pelicans travel to Madison Square Garden on Sunday to face the New York Knicks in a matchup of two teams heading in opposite directions. The Pelicans are mired in a seven-game losing streak, while the Knicks have won six of their last eight to climb to fourth in the Eastern Conference.
Pelicans’ Injury Woes
New Orleans has mightily underachieved this season, primarily due to injuries. Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Jose Alvarado, and Jordan Hawkins are among the sidelined players, leaving the team severely shorthanded. Rookie center Yves Missi has emerged as a rare bright spot, ranking third among NBA rookies in blocks (1.3) and rebounding (7.5) while averaging 8.2 points per game. Over his last four games, Missi has elevated his play, averaging 13.8 points and 10.0 rebounds. His rapid growth and remaining potential give New Orleans some hope for the future at a position that was a complete question mark before the season.
Trey Murphy III has also stepped up in the absence of the team’s stars. The fourth-year wing has scored at least 21 points in each of his last four games, becoming a focal point of the Pelicans’ offense. His ability to get shots off against a Knicks defense ranked 23rd in defensive rating could be critical for the Pelicans.
Knicks Finding Their Groove
The Knicks return home after closing their road trip with a narrow NBA Cup win over Charlotte. Despite an 11-8 record, New York has the league’s second-best offensive rating (121.4) and averages 117.8 points per game. Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges have brought firepower to New York’s lineup, but the Knicks didn’t get out of the gate quickly.
However, over their last eight games, New York has the NBA’s best offense (125.2) and ranks eighth in net rating (6.6). And they’ve been this good while playing at one of the slower paces in the league.
Even with some hiccups, the Knicks’ balance gives them an edge. Towns is averaging 25.8 points and 12.7 rebounds per game, while the team ranks second in effective field goal percentage (58%). New York’s ability to limit opponents’ rebounding opportunities and generate efficient offensive possessions puts them in position to take advantage of a depleted Pelicans squad.
Key Matchups and Prediction
For the Pelicans, containing New York’s offense will be a tall order. New Orleans ranks 27th in defensive efficiency, allowing 118.1 points per 100 possessions. If Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum can control the tempo and create turnovers, they might keep the game competitive. However, the absence of Williamson and Ingram limits New Orleans’ offensive ceiling against a Knicks team thriving on both ends of the court.
Expecting the Pelicans to end their slide on Sunday seems like another tall order.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| New Orleans Pelicans | New York Knicks |
| G – Dejounte Murray | G – Jalen Brunson |
| G – CJ McCollum | G – Josh Hart |
| F – Javonte Green | F – Mikal Bridges |
| F – Trey Murphy III | F – OG Anunoby |
| C – Yves Missi | C – Karl-Anthony Towns |
Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans: Jose Alvarado (left hamstring strain), Jordan Hawkins (low back soreness), Brandon Ingram (right calf soreness), Herb Jones (right shoulder strain), and Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain) are OUT.
New York Knicks: Precious Achiuwa (hamstring) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (4-16) vs New York Knicks (11-8)
Season Series:
- Dec. 1: Pelicans @ Knicks
- Dec. 21: Pelicans vs. Knicks
Series History: The Pelicans are 24-21 all-time vs. the Knicks. New Orleans has won three in a row against New York, and four of the last five against New York.
Where: Madison Square Garden
When: Dec. 1, 5:00 PM CST
Where to watch: Pelicans+, Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
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