The New Orleans Pelicans will try to break a three-game losing streak as they host the New York Knicks on Monday night.
Oddsmakers have put a huge total on this game, but I don’t see these teams hitting that number, which is why I’m taking the Under in my Knicks vs. Pelicans predictions below.
Let’s break down what bettors can expect from tonight’s game in my free NBA picks for Monday, December 29.
Knicks vs Pelicans prediction
Knicks vs Pelicans best bet: Under 246.5 (-110)
The New York Knicks have played in back-to-back shootouts, finding ways to score tight wins over the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Atlanta Hawks. But while New York has shown the ability to win high-scoring games, that’s still not its preferred way to go about things.
New York has generally played at a relatively deliberate pace of play this season, relying on elite offensive efficiency to get to its impressive average of 120.5 ppg on the season. The Knicks also play well enough defensively, holding opponents to 46.1% shooting from the field.
Their biggest weakness has been at the 3-point line, where opponents are hitting nearly 15 shots per game against them.
But that’s going to be difficult for the New Orleans Pelicans to exploit. New Orleans shoots just 34.0% from 3-point range, and is dead-last in threes made per game (10.6).
Despite playing faster than the Knicks, the Pelicans are scoring only 115.2 ppg on the year, and haven’t scored as many as 120 points in any of their last four games.
Neither team is playing to anywhere near the total set for tonight’s game — New York plays to an average of 234.2 ppg, while New Orleans sits at an average total of 237.8 ppg — and I don’t see either trying to turn this game into a track meet.
Knicks vs Pelicans same-game parlay
The Knicks should simply outclass the Pelicans tonight, which is why I’m taking them to cover a significant spread to go along with the Under in my SGP.
I’ll also take New York’s Jalen Brunson to hit his scoring Over, as he has gone for 34+ points in each of his last three games.
Knicks vs Pelicans SGP
- Under 246.5
- Knicks -8.5
- Jalen Brunson Over 29.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Bank on Bridges
Mikal Bridges is averaging nearly 2.5 made threes per game and has hit at least three shots from deep in three of his last six contests, making him a great value pick at these odds.
Knicks vs Pelicans SGP
- Under 246.5
- Knicks -8.5
- Jalen Brunson Over 29.5 points
- Mikal Bridges Over 2.5 made threes
Knicks vs Pelicans odds
- Spread: Knicks -8.5 | Pelicans +8.5
- Moneyline: Knicks -360 | Pelicans +285
- Over/Under: Over 246.5 | Under 246.5
Knicks vs Pelicans betting trend to know
The Under is 4-1 in New Orleans’ last five games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Pelicans.
How to watch Knicks vs Pelicans
| Location | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA |
| Date | Monday, December 29, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | MSG, GCSEN |
Knicks vs Pelicans latest injuries
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