Two teams going in opposite directions are set to meet on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks (47-25, 3rd East), despite a few rough patches, have their eyes set on an NBA Finals appearance. In comparison, the Pelicans (25-47, 11th West) are hurdling towards June’s draft. Still, in the NBA, anything can happen on any given night.
Which players are poised to step up this evening at MSG? The Knicks are favored by 8.5 points (-110) over the Pelicans, with the over/under set at 231.5 points. Here are the two top prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Tuesday’s New Orleans vs. New York matchup.
Pelicans vs. Knicks prop bet picks
Trey Murphy III 4+ three-pointers made (-107)
Zion Williamson is New Orleans’ face of the franchise. However, he’s not the only player on this roster that can put up points. Trey Murphy remains a true all-around threat, providing elite shooting and exceptional defense. This season, the fifth-year pro is averaging 21.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. In addition, he’s delivered solid 47/38/86 shooting splits. With defensive attention focused primarily on Zion, the wing is almost guaranteed a handful of wide-open shots.
The Knicks, despite wielding a quality defense, can struggle to defend the perimeter. New York is allowing the ninth-most three-pointers per game (13.8) and 12th-highest three-point percentage (35.8%) to opponents. In comparison, Murphy has drained at least four treys in seven of his last 11 outings. When these teams last met in December, the forward connected on five shots from long distance. A similar showing tonight wouldn’t come as a surprise.
Josh Hart 25+ points + rebounds + assists (-117)
The heart (pun intended) of this Knicks squad, Josh Hart is playing at another level over the past weeks. Not considered an elite scorer, the positionless wing has been a stat-stuffing monster as of late. During his last three appearances, the 31-year-old has accounted for 18.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists. To boot, he’s shooting 71% from the field and 100%(!) from three-point range during that stretch. While those numbers are bound to cool off, the veteran is clearly on a tear right now.
It’s difficult to fade Hart heading into a battle with one of the association’s worst defenses. The Pelicans have coughed up the NBA’s sixth-most points (119.2), fourth-most rebounds (55.3) and eighth-most assists (27.6). Hart has managed to record at least 25 points + rebounds + assists in seven of his last nine matchups. Even if the Villanova alum is less effective as a scorer, his rebounding and play making skills should come in handy. Another stellar performance is likelier than not for Hart on Tuesday.
