The NBA regular season features a cross-conference clash on December 29, 2025, as the surging New York Knicks travel to face the struggling New Orleans Pelicans. The Knicks, riding a strong recent stretch, look to extend their momentum against a Pelicans team mired in a three-game losing skid and hampered by injuries. This matchup pits New York’s balanced attack and elite defense against New Orleans’ inconsistent offense, with potential for a blowout if the Knicks capitalize on the Pelicans’ vulnerabilities. Below is a comprehensive breakdown based on the latest data as of December 28, 2025.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. This 16,867-capacity arena, opened in 1999 and renovated in 2014, is located at 1501 Dave Dixon Drive in the city’s Central Business District. It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, modern amenities, and proximity to downtown attractions, with easy access via public transit and parking facilities.
Tipoff is set for 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT for local New Orleans viewers)
Broadcast: Available on MSG Network for Knicks markets, FanDuel Sports Network Southeast for Pelicans markets, and nationally via NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with key absences that could impact depth and strategy. Reports are as of December 28 afternoon, with final statuses to be confirmed closer to tip-off.
New York Knicks:
Josh Hart (SF): Out (left ankle sprain). He’s expected to miss at least two more games after sustaining the injury, weakening New York’s wing defense and rebounding.
Miles McBride (PG): Questionable (right ankle sprain). He missed recent games and remains day-to-day, potentially affecting guard rotations if sidelined.
Landry Shamet (SG): Out (dislocated right shoulder). He’s been sidelined long-term and is not expected back soon, thinning shooting options off the bench.
No other major injuries reported, though the Knicks have not fully submitted their final report.
New Orleans Pelicans:
Herbert Jones (SF): Out (right ankle sprain). He missed the December 27 game against Phoenix and is ruled out, a significant blow to New Orleans’ perimeter defense.
Dejounte Murray (PG): Out (left leg fracture). He’s been sidelined since September and remains out, severely limiting playmaking.
Trey Alexander (G): Out (G League – Two-Way). Minimal impact on the rotation.
No additional key injuries reported, though the Pelicans have not fully submitted their report. Veterans like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are available.
These injuries may force both teams to rely on bench units, potentially leading to a slower pace and defensive emphasis if key defenders like Jones and Hart are out.
Player Matchups
This game highlights star power from the Knicks against the Pelicans’ young core, with injuries amplifying the importance of frontcourt battles. Key matchups to watch:
Jalen Brunson (NYK PG) vs. Jose Alvarado (NOP PG): Brunson’s scoring and playmaking (25+ PPG) against Alvarado’s pesky defense. With Murray out, Alvarado must disrupt Brunson’s rhythm to keep New Orleans competitive.
Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK C) vs. Zion Williamson (NOP PF): Towns’ spacing and shooting vs. Williamson’s explosiveness (25+ PPG). This frontcourt duel could control the paint, with Towns exploiting Williamson’s occasional defensive lapses.
OG Anunoby (NYK SF) vs. Brandon Ingram (NOP SF): Anunoby’s elite defense against Ingram’s scoring (20+ PPG). Anunoby could limit Ingram’s mid-range game, tilting the matchup in New York’s favor.
Mikal Bridges (NYK SF) vs. Trey Murphy III (NOP SF): Bridges’ two-way play vs. Murphy’s 3-point threat. With Jones out, Murphy must step up offensively, but Bridges’ length may create turnovers.
The Knicks’ depth gives them an advantage, but if Williamson dominates inside, the Pelicans could stay in it.
Recent Team Forms
The Knicks are on a hot streak, while the Pelicans are reeling from losses.
New York Knicks (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
| Dec 27 | at Atlanta | W 128-125 | Close win; overcame Hart’s injury with balanced scoring. youtube.com |
| Dec 25 | vs San Antonio | W 117-114 | Holiday victory; Brunson’s clutch plays sealed it. |
| Dec 23 | vs Toronto | W 116-94 | Dominant home win; strong defense held Raptors under 100. knicksonline.com |
| Dec 21 | vs Utah | W 146-112 | Blowout; efficient offense overwhelmed Jazz. |
| Dec 19 | at Minnesota | L 104-115 | Rare loss; struggled with rebounding. sofascore.com |
Form: W-W-W-W-L (4-1 in last 5). The Knicks are 8-2 in their last 10, showcasing title-contender form.
New Orleans Pelicans (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
| Dec 27 | vs Phoenix | L 114-123 | Late collapse; defensive issues allowed easy buckets. roundtable.io |
| Dec 26 | at Miami | L 111-126 | Road loss; struggled in fourth quarter. |
| Dec 23 | vs Cleveland | L 118-141 | Blowout; offense stalled against strong defense. sofascore.com |
| Dec 21 | at San Antonio | W | Rare win; solid team effort. |
| Dec 19 | vs Boston | L | Competitive but fell short. pelicans.com |
Form: L-L-L-W-L (1-4 in last 5). The Pelicans are 2-8 in their last 10, with ongoing defensive woes.
Series History
The Pelicans hold a slight all-time edge, leading 24-23 in 47 regular-season meetings against the Knicks. However, New York has won the last two encounters, including a 104-93 victory on December 21, 2024.
Recent Games:
December 21, 2024: Knicks 104-93 Pelicans.
January 14, 2024: Knicks 123-118 Pelicans (OT).
December 30, 2023: Pelicans 105-103 Knicks.
New Orleans is 3-2 at home vs. New York in the last five. Games average 215 points, trending under in defensive battles.
The Knicks’ recent dominance provides confidence, but the Pelicans’ home crowd could energize an upset bid.
Betting Trends
New York Knicks: 17-14 ATS overall; 10-5 ATS on the road. They’ve gone over in 6 of their last 10 games, but 3-2 ATS in last 5 with strong defensive showings.
New Orleans Pelicans: 14-19 ATS; 5-12 ATS at home. 1-4 ATS in last 5; under hits in 7 of last 10 during losing streaks.
Head-to-Head Trends: Knicks 3-2 ATS in last 5 vs. Pelicans; games go under 240 in 4 of 5 recent meetings.
League-Wide: Road favorites like the Knicks are 55% ATS vs. sub-.300 teams in December 2025.
Game Odds
New York Knicks – 8.5
New Orleans Pelicans 246.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 28, 2025
