Knicks vs. Pelicans prediction, odds, line: 2022 NBA picks, Jan. 20 best bets from model on 56-30 run

The New Orleans Pelicans will try to end a five-game losing streak on the road when they take on the New York Knicks on Thursday at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Pelicans (16-28) have not won away from New Orleans since Dec. 23, losing all five road contests by an average of 11.8 points a game. Thursday’s game in New York closes out a three-game road trip. Meanwhile the Knicks (22-23) are trying to end a two-game skid. They currently sit in 11th in the Eastern Conference standings, one spot out of a berth in the play-in tournament. 

Tipoff is 7:30 p.m. ET. Caesars Sportsbook lists New York as a 3.5-point favorite, while the over-under is 210.5 in the latest Knicks vs. Pelicans odds. Before making any Pelicans vs. Knicks picks, be sure to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven computer model. 

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit on its top-rated NBA picks over the past three-plus seasons. The model enters Week 14 of the 2021-22 NBA season on a stunning 56-30 roll on all top-rated NBA picks, returning over $2,200. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Knicks vs. Pelicans, and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA betting lines and trends for Pelicans vs. Knicks:

• Knicks vs. Pelicans spread: New York -3.5
• Knicks vs. Pelicans over-under: 210.5 points
• Knicks vs. Pelicans moneyline: Knicks -170, Pelicans +140
• NYK: The Knicks rank fifth in the league in scoring defense (104.6 points per game).
• NOP: Jonas Valanciunas ranks fourth in the NBA in rebounding (12.0 rebounds per game).

Why the Knicks can cover

New York has played much better defense over the last month. Since Dec. 16, Tom Thibodeau’s club is giving up just 107.2 points per 100 possessions, which ranks seventh in the NBA. Prior to that, the Knicks had given up 110.6 points every 100 possessions, which was 23rd in the league.

In addition, RJ Barrett is starting to come around. Over his last 11 games, he is averaging 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. He also is shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from beyond the 3-point arc during that time.

Why the Pelicans can cover

Brandon Ingram continues to play at an All-Star level. Over his last 20 games, he is averaging 23.9 points a game on 46.5 percent shooting from the field. He also is contributing 5.9 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game over the stretch.

In addition, Valanciunas has been invaluable to this team with his physicality and scoring ability. The 7-footer from Lithuania ranks fourth in the NBA in rebounding (12.0 rebounds per game) while adding 18.4 points a game. His prowess from beyond the 3-point arc (42.4 percent) has helped an offense that has struggled at times in the halfcourt.

How to make Pelicans vs. Knicks picks

SportsLine’s model is leaning over on the total, projecting 216 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits well over 60 percent of the time. You can only see the model’s pick at SportsLine.

So who wins Knicks vs. Pelicans? And which side of the spread hits well over 60 percent of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.