Knicks 113-105 defeat to the Pelicans

With the fifth seed secured, the Knicks rested Jalen Brunson and Mitchell Robinson, who both joined the ailing Julius Randle on the inactive list. The Knicks then lost to the Pelicans 113-105 on Friday night, ending a five-game winning streak. With one game left, the win moved New Orleans (42-39) above of the Lakers for eighth place in the West. Although they just have one game left, the Knicks (47-34) will face the Cavaliers in the first round. After missing two games due to sickness, RJ Barrett made a powerful 28 points on his comeback. But with 1:05 left, he missed a wide-open 3-pointer that would have reduced New York's lead to 1.

Trey Murphy III scored 31 points to lead the Pelicans. The Knicks play the Pacers at home on Sunday afternoon to close up the regular season.