PREVIEW: The New York Knicks seek their seventh consecutive victory when they host the revitalized New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. New York scored 77 second-half points in a 145-113 victory over visiting Washington Sunday, handing the Wizards their 16th consecutive loss. The Knicks rank third in efficient three-point shooting while maintaining strong rim defense, traits that align perfectly with their overall elite offensive execution. New York sits third in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind second-place Boston and 2 1/2 games ahead of fourth-place Cleveland. New Orleans has been playing winning basketball for the last two months, posting a 15-11 record since defensive leader Herb Jones returned from an ankle injury on January 23, with a 9-5 mark since starting point guard Dejounte Murray returned on February 24 from a year-long absence due to Achilles surgery. The Pelicans rank first in high-frequency rim attacks offensively but struggle with shot quality consistency, including inefficient three-point shooting and poor defensive rebounding that ranks near the league basement. New Orleans had won seven consecutive home games before getting outscored 35-18 in the fourth quarter of a 111-106 loss to Cleveland on Saturday, preventing a sweep of four home games in six days. The Pelicans, who have lost four of their last five away from home, begin a three-game road trip over four days.