Game Preview
The New York Knicks, riding a modest one-game win streak, will look to keep their momentum going as they host the struggling New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. The Knicks have been a solid team this season, posting an 11-8 record and winning nearly 60 percent of their games. Their offense has been a strength, averaging a shade under 118 points per contest while shooting just under 50 percent from the field and a respectable 38.6 percent from beyond the arc.
New York's balanced attack is further bolstered by their ability to grab almost 42 rebounds and dish out nearly 28 assists per game. However, their defense has been merely average, allowing 112.8 points while forcing just over 11 turnovers. Over their last five games, the Knicks have been even better offensively, scoring 120.4 points on 49.8 percent shooting, though their defense has slipped slightly, surrendering 117.6 points per contest.
In contrast, the Pelicans have endured a dismal campaign thus far. Mired in a seven-game losing skid, New Orleans owns a dismal 4-16 record, winning just one out of every five games. Their offensive struggles have been glaring, averaging a paltry 103.8 points while shooting just 43.6 percent from the field and 33.6 percent from three. The Pelicans have been slightly better on the glass, grabbing 43.6 rebounds per game, but they've been plagued by turnovers, coughing up the ball 14.3 times.
Recent Form Paints a Bleak Picture for New Orleans
Over their last 10 games, the Pelicans' woes have only compounded. They've won just once in that span while scoring a measly 100.4 points per game. Their shooting numbers have plummeted to 42.8 percent overall and 30.8 percent from deep. Even their rebounding has taken a hit, grabbing 46.6 boards but turning the ball over nearly 15 times. Their last five games have been even worse, with New Orleans failing to win a single contest while allowing 118.6 points per game on 43.8 percent shooting from the field and a dismal 29.3 percent clip from three-point range.
Based on their recent performances, the Knicks should be heavily favored at home against the reeling Pelicans. If New York's offense can maintain its efficient scoring pace while clamping down defensively, they have a prime opportunity to extend New Orleans' misery and continue their push towards a winning record.