Do we think he's playing over 20 mins tonight in a big game vs the Knicks at MSG? Cuz when he does this is a lock. Jonas was hitting the wall before the ASG and had his mins cut despite still killing it in Rebound/min. He has 41 rebounds in 3 game since the break and has 10+ rebounds in 9 of the last 11 games in which he's played 21 min or more (he has 9 reb in other 2 games). Knicks are 22nd in reb/G and defensive rebound % last 5 games, plus tired legs playing back-to-back game and have a short bench. Mitchell Robinson's absence hurting them on the boards and he owned Jonas in first meeting. Valanciunas should feast tonight.

With Jalen Brunson (neck spasms) looking like he will miss this game for the Knicks, and OJ Anunoby and Julius Randle still sidelined, it is fair to wonder where the New York scoring comes from tonight. Even at full strength, however, the Knicks have trended strong to the "under" (21-6 after last night vs. the Pistons) since New Year's as Tom Thiboudeau's noted defensive tactics have been resonating with whichever Knicks are on the court. The Pels are still minus depth piece G Jose Alvarado on suspension from the Miami brawl, though more pressing concerns are the availabilities of both Zion (foot) and CJ McCollum (ankle; missed Sunday vs Bulls), each iffy, and at best compromised, for tonight. Play Pelicans-Knicks "Under"

This has jumped about 35 cents at Bet365 (still the lowest number of our books, and it is active) with Jalen Brunson being downgraded to questionable after playing 40 minutes in Monday's lucky win over the Pistons. Tom Thibodeau would rather chop off one of his toes than rest his key guys (ask Derrick Rose and Luol Deng, who will be relegated to using walkers in a few years), but common sense needs to prevail as Brunson is dealing with a neck injury. Isaiah Hartenstein is also iffy. This would be higher if the Pels' CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson weren't both questionable themselves but obviously I think they play.

The New Orleans Pelicans have had issues post All Star break with consistency. Brandon Ingram missed action as well as CJ McCollum, and today Zion Williamson is questionable. Look for the Pelicans to rise above leaving home and heading on the road to Madison Square Garden. The Knicks have struggled with a depleted lineup and are in a back to back spot.