Atlanta Hawks (3-2) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (4-1)
Atlanta Hawks vs. New Orleans Pelicans 11/4/23 – As the NBA season picks up speed, fans and bettors alike are on the hunt for the top NBA free predictions, and the upcoming faceoff between the Atlanta Hawks and the New Orleans Pelicans is ripe for analysis. With the Hawks sitting above .500 and the Pelicans off to a strong start, this game is more than just a routine matchup. This contest will take place at the Smoothie King Center on Saturday, November 4, 2023, starting at 7:00 PM ET, promising to be a showcase of talent and strategy.
The Atlanta Hawks, with a slightly above average start to their season, have been lighting up scoreboards with a notable 122.8 points per game, thanks in part to their impressive 49.2 field goal percentage. Their performance from beyond the arc has been moderate with an average of 11 made 3-pointers on 32 attempts, but where they truly shine is at the free-throw line, boasting an 85.2% success rate. A concern, however, is their ball security; the Hawks are turning over the ball 14.4 times per game, which could pose problems against a Pelicans team that thrives on takeaways. Despite this, the Hawks’ 45 rebounds per game and 27.6 assists show a team that’s cohesive and resilient.
The New Orleans Pelicans, on the other hand, have shown defensive prowess early in the season. Their 108.8 points per game may not mirror the offensive explosion of the Hawks, but with a solid 44.1 field goal percentage and an average of 12 made 3-pointers, they are not to be underestimated. The Pelicans’ ability to crash the boards with 45.6 rebounds per game and a lower turnover rate (13.4 per game) than the Hawks could give them the edge in controlling the game’s pace. However, their free-throw percentage stands at a lower 70.3%, which could leave crucial points off the board in close contests.
Atlanta Hawks vs. New Orleans Pelicans 11/4/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Smoothie King Center |
| TV: | BSNO |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Dejounte Murray (SG) vs. CJ McCollum (SG)
Dejounte Murray of the Hawks has been a standout with 21.8 points per game, and his 6 assists showcase his dual-threat capacity to score and facilitate. His 2.5 assist to turnover ratio underlines his effectiveness in ball distribution, but the 2.4 turnovers per game indicate an area for potential exploitation.
CJ McCollum for the Pelicans has contributed significantly with 23.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, asserting himself as a two-way player. His 3.5 assist to turnover ratio is indicative of his reliable ball-handling, an asset against the high-pressure defense of the Hawks.
When Murray and McCollum clash, it will be a showcase of guard play that could dictate the flow of the game. Murray’s dynamic playmaking will test the Pelicans’ perimeter defense, while McCollum’s scoring and ball security will be key against the athletic Hawks’ lineup.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: New Orleans Pelicans -150, Total Odds: 230.5
The current betting odds put the Pelicans as slight favorites at home, reflecting their superior record and balanced play. With a total of 230.5, oddsmakers are expecting a high-scoring affair, typical of games involving the Hawks this season.
Atlanta Hawks Betting Trends
The Hawks have struggled against the spread (ATS) in recent outings, but their tendency to hit the OVER in 7 of their last 9 games could sway bettors. Their past performance against the Pelicans has been positive ATS, which could influence betting decisions despite recent trends.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Trends
The Pelicans have covered the spread effectively in their recent matchups, which bodes well for their chances to repeat that performance. However, the trend of the total going UNDER in a majority of their recent games, including against the Hawks, suggests a potential for a lower-scoring game than the total suggests.
Atlanta Hawks vs. New Orleans Pelicans 11/4/23 Betting Picks
Considering the Hawks’ explosive offense and the Pelicans’ strong defense, this matchup presents a contrast in styles. The Pelicans’ balanced attack and home-court advantage might give them the edge in a head-to-head, but the Hawks’ scoring ability can’t be discounted, especially with their tendency to cover against New Orleans.
Premium picks and parlays might lean towards taking the Hawks to cover given their historical performance against the spread when facing the Pelicans. The over/under is tricky, but given the offensive firepower of both teams, the OVER could be enticing.
Free Pick and Prediction: Atlanta Hawks 115, New Orleans Pelicans 112