| Game Time | 7:30 pm EST |
| New Orleans Pelicans Line | +6 |
| Atlanta Hawks Line | -6 |
| Total | 230 |
| TV: | NBA TV |
The Atlanta Hawks, who have gained momentum after back-to-back wins against the best team in the league, the Cleveland Cavaliers, are now hosting the struggling New Orleans Pelicans, as they are looking to extend their current three-game winning streak. The Pelicans saw two of their starters return from an injury, but that did not change much, as their free fall continues. They have won only once in their last fourteen games and are now the third-worst team in the whole league.
Below is a detailed analysis for New Orleans Pelicans vs Atlanta Hawks game.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction
Atlanta Hawks Injury Report: Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic are day-to-day, Cody Zeller is out
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report: Herb Jones, Jordan Hawkins, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and Jose Alvarado are out for the Pelicans
Atlanta Hawks Recent Form and Trends
The Atlanta Hawks have a 10-11 record this season and are sitting on the 7th place of the East. The Hawks are 8-13 against the spread and 14-7 in over/under. Atlanta has a 5-5 home record, but 3-7 against the spread, with a -2-point differential. The Hawks have three consecutive wins, but are 2-4 against the spread in their last 6 games. Under is 5-3 in their last 8 games.
The Hawks are coming off a 107-104 win in Charlotte, as they held the Hornets into just 37% shooting. Jalen Johnson led Atlanta’s offense with 20 points and 9 assists, while four more Atlanta players had 14+ points.
Trae Young leads the Knicks both in scoring with 21.4 points, and in assists made with 12.1 per game, leading the league. Jalen Johnson adds 20.1 points, 5.5 assists and a team-high 9.9 rebounds.
New Orleans Pelicans Recent Form and Trends
The Pelicans have a 4-16 record this season and are sitting on the last place of the West. New Orleans is 7-13 against the spread and 8-11-1 in over/under. The Pelicans are 1-9 on the road and 2-8 against the spread, with a -18.2-point differential. Pels are 1-13 in their last 14 games, but 3-1 against the spread in their last 4. Under is 7-1-1 in their last 9 games.
The Pelicans are coming off a 109-120 loss in Memphis, as they shot with just 42% from the field. CJ McCollum led the Pelicans’ offense in his return to the lineup with 30 points and 4 rebounds.
Brandon Ingram leads the Pels in scoring with 22.9 points, adding 5.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists. Zion Williamson adds 22.7 points, 8 rebounds and 5.3 assists but he is out with an injury.
Statistical Breakdown
Offensively, the Hawks average 116.1 points per game, which ranks 9th in the NBA. They shoot with 46.3% from the field (18th), and with 34.9% from beyond the arc (18th). Defensively, they are the third-worst team in the NBA, allowing 119.4 points per game.
Offensively, the Pelicans are dead last in the league, averaging 103.9 points per game. They shoot 43.6% from the field (27th) and 33.3% from beyond the arc (24th). Defensively, the Pels allow 115.5 points per game, which is just 22nd in the league.
In their previous meeting earlier this season, the Hawks won 126-111 on the road. Atlanta is 7-3 in their last 10 meetings against New Orleans. Under is 5-2 in their last 7 meetings.
Prediction
In this New Orleans Pelicans vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction, the Hawks are coming as -6 home favorites, and rightfully so. The Hawks have won the Cavaliers twice in their last three games and the Pelicans are coming in this game as their second leg of a back-to-back. The Pelicans look helpless and are the worst covering team on the road in the NBA this season, losing by an average of 18.2 points. Atlanta already beat them earlier this season by 15 points, so the value here lies with the home team and I expect a dominant Hawks victory in this game. Take the Atlanta Hawks and lay the points at home.
Nick’s Pick: Atlanta Hawks -6