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MIAMI, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 26: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks in action at Kaseya Center on October 26, 2025 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
For a good portion of the 2025-2026 NBA season, the New Orleans Pelicans found themselves as the laughingstock of the league. However, New York Knicks standout Josh Hart isn’t sold on that notion.
Following the Knicks-Pelicans battle at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, March 24, Hart paid respect to the Pelicans, despite the league-wide narrative surrounding them.
“Good teams win games that they’re supposed to,” Hart said of the Knicks, following a 121-116 New York victory at home.
“Obviously, anyone in the league can beat you on any given day. This team is a really good team. Their record doesn’t show it, just because of their injuries. This is a really good team. But it feels good. I think we got a tough nine or ten games left to finish out the season, but it’s all in preparation.”
The Knicks’ win over the Pelicans completes a mini-sweep. New York has now defeated New Orleans four times in a row, with the last Pelicans victory happening on February 27, 2024.
Where The Pelicans Stand In 2025-2026
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 09: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts to a play against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 9, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Pelicans’ season will soon end.
With a 25-48 record, Zion Williamson and his team are nearly 10 games out of the final NBA Play-In spot. The struggling Golden State Warriors are on pace to be the final team to clinch the tournament.
Meanwhile, the 11th-seeded Pelicans are only in front of the Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, and the Memphis Grizzlies.
Hart might not have a popular opinion on the Pelicans, but it’s one to pay attention to for the future.
More NBA News: Zion Williamson Gains Major Praise From Knicks Star
The Pelicans aren’t expected to gut the core of their team after another disappointing season. With better health and some time off, the Pelicans will get a chance to prove Hart’s take to be correct.
As For The New York Knicks…
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MAY 17: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks reacts after being injured in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 17, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Expectations are high over there.
The Knicks are on a seven-game winning streak, but in matchups they are widely expected to win. Most would argue that the real test is on its way.
The final nine-game stretch begins with a matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on March 26. They aren’t a playoff team yet, but they’ll have a chance to grab the seven or eight seed.
On March 29, the Knicks will pay a visit to the NBA Champions in Oklahoma City, before visiting Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets.
An April 1 game against the Memphis Grizzlies doesn’t pose a major threat, and neither does the return home to take on the Chicago bulls on April 3.
The final four-game stretch run involves potential playoff opponents. The Knicks will go head-to-head with the Atlanta Hawks (April 6), Boston Celtics (April 9), Toronto Raptors (April 10), and the Hornets again on April 12 to close out the year.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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