Knicks Aim for Redemption at Home: Why They Might Be a Safer Bet Against Pelicans Despite Underdog Status

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 7:40 PM ET at Madison Square Garden

The New York Knicks and New Orleans Pelicans face off on Tuesday night in a critical matchup for both teams as they fight for playoff positioning in their respective conferences. While the Pelicans hold the slight edge in the standings, the Knicks enter the game with momentum after a thrilling last-second victory and home-court advantage.

This game presents a fascinating betting opportunity, with the Knicks offered as +2.5 point underdogs. Let’s delve deeper into the matchup to understand why the Knicks might be the safer pick despite facing a talented Pelicans squad.

NBA Prediction Models for Pelicans vs. Knicks (Feb 27, 2024)

Knicks Seeking Redemption and Home-Court Advantage

The Knicks are coming off a controversial win over the Detroit Pistons, a game they secured on a last-second layup by Josh Hart. While the victory was dramatic, it snapped a three-game losing streak and propelled them to a 1.5-game lead over the Philadelphia 76ers in the race for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. This positioning is crucial, as it guarantees home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, a significant benefit for any team.

Furthermore, the Knicks will be buoyed by the energy of their home crowd at Madison Square Garden. Throughout the season, they have displayed a strong record at home, compiling a 20-11 record. This familiarity with their surroundings and the support of their passionate fanbase could be a crucial advantage against the Pelicans.

Pelicans Battling for Playoff Spot Despite Injuries

The Pelicans, meanwhile, enter the game in a tighter battle for their playoff spot. They are currently tied with the Phoenix Suns for the final two guaranteed playoff spots in the Western Conference. However, the Pelicans are facing several challenges.

Firstly, they are dealing with key player absences. Star guard CJ McCollum remains sidelined with an injury, and role players Jose Alvarado and Naji Marshall are suspended for their involvement in a recent brawl. These absences significantly impact the depth and offensive firepower of the Pelicans.

Secondly, the Pelicans are coming off a disappointing loss to the Chicago Bulls, where they squandered a substantial lead in the third quarter. This loss could leave them feeling deflated and searching for answers.

Why the Knicks +2.5 is a Safer Bet: A Multifaceted Analysis

While the Pelicans boast a slightly superior record and potentially higher individual talent, several factors favor the Knicks, making them the safer bet to cover the +2.5 point spread:

1. Home-Court Advantage and Momentum: The Knicks are playing on their home court, where they have performed well throughout the season. This, coupled with the positive momentum from their recent win, could translate into a focused and energized performance.

2. Knicks’ Defensive Prowess: The Knicks boast one of the best defensive units in the league, ranking 5th in defensive rating. They could use their defensive strategy to limit the impact of the Pelicans’ remaining offensive threats, even considering the absence of McCollum.

3. Pelicans’ Injury Woes and Recent Struggles: The Pelicans’ depleted roster and recent loss to the Bulls raise concerns about their current form and ability to perform consistently.

4. Questionable Officiating: While officiating shouldn’t be relied upon for betting strategies, the recent history of controversial calls in the Knicks’ favor could create a narrative of “evening the odds” for them in this matchup.

5. Value Proposition: As underdogs, the Knicks offer a higher potential payout compared to the Pelicans. This provides additional incentive to consider them, especially with the aforementioned factors influencing their chances of success.

Pick: New York Knicks +2.5