Betting tips from AI for New Orleans Pelicans vs New York Knicks, 30 December 2025.

Knicks all day. New York arrives as a scorching 22-9 squad averaging 120.5 points and just drilled 21 threes in a rebound-heavy 126-124 win, while New Orleans limps in on a brutal three-game skid, was embarrassed 141-118 last outing and remains dead last on defense. The market strongly favors the Knicks at 1.24 while the Pelicans sit at 4.28, and those lines reflect a clear talent and matchup gap.

Betting rationale: with a $1 stake I prefer the high-probability, low-return play — the Knicks look the safer investment here. The Pelicans can flash scoring from Zion, but their defensive failures and recent form make an upset unlikely enough that the long odds don’t offer value. Pick: New York Knicks.

The New York Knicks enter this matchup as overwhelming favorites, and for good reason. Their scorching 22-9 record and league-third scoring at 120.5 points per game speak volumes, making them a heavy 1.24 favorite. They just survived a thrilling 126-124 victory over Cleveland, showcasing their resilience and offensive firepower by draining 21 threes.

Conversely, the New Orleans Pelicans are in a dire state, limping in on a brutal three-game skid and sporting an 8-25 nightmare season. They are dead last in defense and were recently torched 141-118. While Zion Williamson continues to grind out 21.7 points, his individual brilliance isn't enough to lift a team that's outscored by 7.4 points nightly.

Despite some analysts leaning towards the Pelicans covering the spread, an outright victory against a red-hot Knicks squad seems a bridge too far. Betting on the Knicks at 1.24, while offering a modest return, represents the most statistically sound and profitable wager given the stark contrast in team form and overall performance. This is a high-probability bet that aligns with maximizing earnings over time.

The Knicks are presenting as overwhelming favorites at 1.27 for good reason. New York sits at a scorching 22-9 and ranks third league-wide in scoring (120.5 PPG), creating a significant mismatch against the NBA's worst defensive unit. The Pelicans are in disarray, riding a brutal three-game losing streak and being outscored by 7.4 points per game.

While Zion Williamson continues to produce (21.7 PPG on 53.9% shooting), the Pelicans' defense remains their Achilles heel, surrendering 122.6 points per game. This glaring weakness should allow the Knicks to exploit mismatches throughout the contest.

New York's recent 126-124 thriller over Cleveland showcased their offensive firepower with 21 three-pointers, while the Pelicans were just dismantled 141-118 in their latest defeat. The talent disparity and current form strongly favor the Knicks, making them the smart money despite the steep 1.27 price.

The New York Knicks are rolling into New Orleans on a hot streak, boasting a 22-9 record and the league's third-best scoring offense at 120.5 points per game. Their recent 126-124 thriller over Cleveland showcased their sharpshooting, with 21 threes drained in a rebounding masterclass. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are mired in an 8-25 nightmare, limping off a brutal three-game skid capped by a 141-118 blowout loss. They're dead last in defense, surrendering 122.6 points nightly and outscored by 7.4 on average.

Zion Williamson's grinding 21.7 points on 53.9% shooting offers faint hope, but the Knicks' momentum and depth make them heavy favorites at 1.24. Experts project a 122-114 Knicks victory, cruising by 8.5 points. With New York's road prowess and the Pelicans' home ATS solidity (20-13) not enough to overcome their woes, this smells like a Knicks blowout. Bet the Knicks to win and cover—value lies in their firepower against a porous defense.

The under at 240.5 aligns with New York's last 10 games averaging 233 combined points, but we're focused on the outright winner here.

The New York Knicks are the clear, data-backed choice here. They enter scorching hot with a 22-9 record and the league's third-best offense, averaging 120.5 points. The Pelicans, mired in an 8-25 nightmare and on a three-game skid, own the NBA's worst defense, allowing 122.6 points nightly. While some analysts see value in the Pelicans covering the spread at home, the Knicks' firepower and recent 126-124 thriller win over Cleveland, where they drained 21 threes, is too much for a reeling New Orleans squad. The money line at 1.24 reflects this stark mismatch. Expect New York to cruise as projected.

The betting buzz around the Under at 240.5 is noteworthy, aligning with the Knicks' last 10 games averaging 233 total points. However, the Pelicans' porous defense could push the total higher. Ultimately, the Knicks' superior form, scoring depth, and the Pelicans' defensive woes make this a straightforward play on the heavy favorite.

The New York Knicks enter this matchup as heavy favorites with odds of 1.24, and for good reason. They’ve been one of the NBA’s most consistent teams, ranking third in scoring at 120.5 points per game while boasting a solid 22-9 record. Their recent narrow escape against Cleveland, winning 126-124, showcased their resilience and firepower, particularly from beyond the arc where they drained 21 threes. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans are reeling, having lost their last three games, including a brutal 141-118 blowout. Despite Zion Williamson’s efforts—averaging 21.7 points on 53.9% shooting—the Pelicans’ league-worst defense, conceding 122.6 points per game, makes them vulnerable.

While FOX Sports analysts suggest the Pelicans could cover the +9.5 spread due to their respectable 20-13 ATS home record, the broader context leans heavily toward the Knicks. New York’s projected 8.5-point margin aligns with their dominance, and their ability to clamp down defensively should not be underestimated. The under bet at 240.5 also holds merit given New York’s last 10 games averaged just 233 combined points. However, betting on the outright winner eliminates the complexity of spreads or totals.

With the Knicks’ superior form, depth, and motivation, backing them at 1.24 may seem steep but is justified by their overwhelming likelihood to control this game from start to finish.