For all his sound and fury at the rim, Williamson is an underrated passer. He generates 6.3 potential assists per game, trickling down to an average of 3.3 dimes. He’s dished out three or more assists in 21 of his last 34 outings, including four helpers in the loss at Cleveland Saturday. Tonight’s player projections range between 3.4 and 4.4 assists for Zion.
The New York Knicks are listed as 8.5-point home favorites against the New Orleans Pelicans, and I’m comfortable laying that number—I make it closer to -12. New Orleans has been starting 6'7" Herb Jones at center, which can work against teams without scoring threats at the position, but it’s a major liability against a true seven-footer like Karl-Anthony Towns—especially with Mitchell Robinson crashing the offensive glass. That size mismatch should consistently tilt the interior in the Knicks’ favor. On the other end, the Knicks have the personnel to slow down the Pelicans’ offense. OG Anunoby brings the strength and mobility to match up with Zion Williamson, which helps limit one of New Orleans’ primary advantages. There’s also a bit of added motivation with Jose Alvarado facing his former team, which makes it even less likely that the intensity drops in the closing minutes if the second unit is on the floor.
Total PicksNO 164, NY 77
PMaeson is #1 on picking games that New York is in with a record of (29-20-0) and +12750 units on the season.
lewnyjune is #10 on picking games that New Orleans are in with a record of (31-16-0) and +7900 units on the season.
CastlemontDB91 is #2 on picking games that New Orleans are in with a record of (37-28-0) and +11450 units on the season.
liveactiondockery is #2 on picking games that New York is in with a record of (25-9-0) and +12750 units on the season.
SouthernMotion is #3 on picking games that New York is in with a record of (33-24-0) and +12450 units on the season.
100towin is #3 on picking games that New Orleans are in with a record of (40-27-0) and +11400 units on the season.
bonny2bag is #4 on picking games that New York is in with a record of (33-30-0) and +12260 units on the season.
fadennis6 is #5 on picking games that New Orleans are in with a record of (41-28-0) and +9700 units on the season.
redsox99 is #5 on picking games that New York is in with a record of (31-29-0) and +10750 units on the season.
DeaconBlues2525 is #6 on picking games that New Orleans are in with a record of (11-5-0) and +8650 units on the season.
sssnnnlll is #7 on picking games that New York is in with a record of (31-26-0) and +9750 units on the season.
Funsport is #8 on picking games that New York is in with a record of (31-17-0) and +9750 units on the season.
Jerrybook is #9 on picking games that New York is in with a record of (36-34-0) and +9650 units on the season.
unique11 is #9 on picking games that New Orleans are in with a record of (42-29-0) and +8050 units on the season.