Hawks vs Pelicans: Spread and Score Predictions
Two teams enter State Farm Arena tonight on three-game winning streaks, but only one is going to be able to leave with their streak alive.
The Pelicans and the Hawks are two different teams in very different places entering tonight's game. Atlanta is trying to strengthen its grip on the No. 10 spot in the Eastern Conference while the Pelicans are trying to climb the Western Conference Standings and are currently in 5th place. New Orleans is currently playing like one of the best teams in the NBA and might have the claim to be the most underrated.
This is going to be the toughest game for the Hawks in quite some time. Given the way that most of this season has gone, nobody should fault the Hawks for the wins they have been racking up, especially since they are dealing with injuries of their own. However, it is fair to point out that the Hawks have beaten the Magic without Paolo Banchero, The Knicks without four starters, A Memphis team missing almost every one of their regular players, and Cleveland without Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, and Evan Mobley. Winning these games has kept Atlanta in the play-in race and they have a clear path forward. After they face New Orleans tonight, they have upcoming games vs the Lakers, Suns, and Clippers on a West Coast road trip, and those games will be tough in their current state.
The matchup I am watching closely tonight will be the Hawks offense vs the Pelicans defense. The Pelicans have one of the best defenses in the NBA while the Hawks have struggled to manufacture consistent offense without Trae Young. Dejounte Murray is on the injury report (listed as probable) for tonight's game. If Murray does play, he will be tasked with going up against the best defense he has faced in a while.
Mar 8, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (5) shoots as Memphis Grizzlies forward Lamar Stevens (24) defends during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans is 8th in PPG allowed, 5th in field goal percentage allowed, and 1st in three-point percentage allowed. Per Cleaning the Glass, New Orleans is 7th in points allowed per 100 possessions and 9th in effective field goal percentage
Viewing and Betting Information
Tip-off time: 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Where to Watch: NBA League Pass, Peachtree TV
Spread and Over/Under: The Hawks will be underdogs at home tonight, as they are currently 6.5 point favorites and the over/under is at 220.5 according to the latest odds from the SI Sportsbook.
Right now, I am leaning toward the Pelicans winning the game comfortably. I just don't think Atlanta can manufacture enough offense in this game to keep up with the Pelicans and while the Hawks's defense has played well over the last couple of weeks, they have been facing teams that are injured. New Orleans has Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum in this game to produce offense. The winning streak for Atlanta comes to a close tonight before their West Coast road trip.
Final Score: Pelicans 115, Hawks 104 (Pelicans -6.5)
