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Knicks Must Take Advantage of Easy Matchup

The New York Knicks take on the worst team in the Western Conference.

Jeremy Brener

Dec 1, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) looks to drive past New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Dec 1, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) looks to drive past New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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For the second time this month, the New York Knicks are getting ready to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans, who hold the worst record in the Western Conference at 5-23.

The game marks the third of a three-game road trip for the Knicks, but they cannot let their long travel time get in the way of taking care of business and securing a win in the Big Easy.

The Knicks are at a point in their schedule where they are falling short of where they want to be. While they are more focused on their team's development over their record, it's important for the Knicks to win as many games as possible to ensure the highest seed imaginable for a potential playoff run.

Games like tonight's against the Pelicans don't pop up on the schedule every time, so the Knicks cannot lose focus as they play one of the easiest teams in the league.

The Pelicans have suffered from lengthy injury reports all season long, and tonight is no exception. Brandon Ingram (ankle), Zion Williamson (hamstring), Jose Alvarado (hamstring) and Karlo Matkovic (back) are all out for the Pelicans. Daniel Theis is questionable as he has been away from the team for personal reasons.

The Knicks are expected to see Josh Hart return after missing Thursday's win against the Minnesota Timberwolves for personal reasons himself. Now, he is off the injury report and should return to the starting lineup.

This game could easily be a trap for the Knicks if they don't settle down, focus and execute after a huge emotional win against the Wolves. But if they can stay level-headed, they will head home for the Christmas holiday with a lot to cheer about.

Tipoff between the Knicks and Pelicans is set for 8 p.m. ET.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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