The New Orleans Pelicans, mired in a brutal losing streak, head east to face the Atlanta Hawks in an interconference tilt that could see Atlanta capitalize on their home court advantage despite their own inconsistencies. With key injuries on both sides, this matchup at State Farm Arena might hinge on secondary scoring and defensive efforts from role players. Below is a comprehensive analysis of the key elements.
Venue Location
The game will be played at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. This 16,888-seat venue has been the Hawks’ home since 1999 and features a challenging atmosphere for visitors, though Atlanta’s 6-11 home record this season indicates vulnerabilities.
Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM ET. The game will be available on regional sports networks, with streaming options via NBA League Pass.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams are slumping, but Atlanta has shown more flashes of competence, particularly at home.
New Orleans Pelicans: The Pelicans are 0-10 in their last 10 games and have lost eight straight, including a 111-103 defeat to the Lakers on January 6 where Trey Murphy III exploded for a career-high 42 points. They’ve averaged 114.8 points per game (20th in NBA) but rank near the bottom defensively (124.6 points allowed, 29th), with a -9.8 net rating. Rebounding (43.4 RPG, 15th) has been a rare strength, but turnovers (14.1 per game, 21st) plague them.
Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks are 2-8 in their last 10 games and have dropped nine of their last 11, most recently swept in a two-game set at Toronto (118-100 and 134-117 losses). They average 118.5 points (11th) with solid assisting (31.2 APG, 2nd) but struggle rebounding (41.7 RPG, 26th) and defensively (120.4 allowed, 23rd), posting a -1.9 net rating. Jalen Johnson’s triple-double threat has been a highlight in defeats.
| Team | Last 10 Games | Last Game Result | Key Stat from Recent Form |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 0-10 | L 111-103 vs. LAL | 1-9 ATS; UNDER in 5 of last 7; 0-8 SU on road |
| Atlanta Hawks | 2-8 | L 118-100 @ TOR | 3-2 ATS last 5; OVER in 2 of last 5; 1-5 SU at home lately |
Injury Report
Injuries could severely impact star power, especially in the backcourt and frontcourt.
New Orleans Pelicans:
Herbert Jones (SF): Game-time decision (ankle) – Key defender; his status to be evaluated post-flight.
Saddiq Bey (SF): Game-time decision (hip) – Provides spacing; limited if active.
Dejounte Murray (PG): Out (Achilles) – Major loss in playmaking (estimated return Jan. 13).
Atlanta Hawks:
Trae Young (PG): Game-time decision (quadriceps contusion) – Missed last five games; critical for offense (8.9 APG).
N’Faly Dante (C): Out for season (knee) – Depth hit in the paint.
Monitor warm-ups, as GTD statuses for Jones, Bey, and Young could shift lineups significantly.
Player Matchups
Without full star availability, these battles emphasize Atlanta’s athletic edges and New Orleans’ hot shooters.
Zion Williamson (NOP) vs. Jalen Johnson (ATL): Williamson (22.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG) brings explosive scoring inside, but faces Johnson (23.7 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 8.4 APG), who’s posted 25 double-doubles and could exploit New Orleans’ weak interior defense (allowing 52.1 paint points, 25th).
Trey Murphy III (NOP) vs. Dyson Daniels (ATL): Murphy III (21.3 PPG, 6.1 RPG) is scorching from deep (69 points in last two games, including 42 vs. Lakers), testing Daniels (11.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 6.0 APG), a versatile defender who could disrupt with length.
Derik Queen (NOP) vs. Onyeka Okongwu (ATL): Queen (13.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG) adds rookie energy in the paint, against Okongwu (16.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG), who’s key for Atlanta’s rebounding (Hawks rank 26th at 41.7 RPG).
Zaccharie Risacher (ATL) vs. Pelicans Perimeter: Risacher (10.8 PPG) has improved defensively and scored 16 in the last loss, potentially matching up against Murphy or others to contain New Orleans’ 37% three-point shooting (10th in NBA).
If Young sits, Atlanta’s assisting (31.2 APG, 2nd) drops, opening transition opportunities for New Orleans (9.24 SPG, 5th).
Series History
Atlanta holds the recent upper hand, winning the first meeting of the season 115-98 on November 22 in New Orleans. The Hawks have claimed four of the last five head-to-heads overall, with games averaging 225.6 total points. In those wins, Atlanta shot 48.2% from the field compared to New Orleans’ 44.7%, while dominating rebounds (45.2 vs. 40.8). Historically, the all-time series is close, with Atlanta leading 58-56 in regular-season matchups.
Betting Trends
New Orleans: 1-7 ATS in last 8; UNDER in 5 of last 7; 0-8 SU in last 8; 1-4 ATS/SU vs. Atlanta in last 5; 2-18 SU on road in last 20; ATS overall 20-17-1 (7-8 away); O/U 21-17 (7-8 away).
Atlanta: 4-9 ATS in last 13; 2-9 SU in last 11; UNDER in 7 of last 10 vs. New Orleans; 1-5 SU at home in last 6; 5-2 ATS at home vs. New Orleans in last 7; 0-5 ATS as favorite in last 5; ATS overall 18-20 (6-11 home); O/U 21-17 (8-9 home).
| Category | New Orleans | Atlanta |
| ATS Overall | 20-17-1 | 18-20 |
| ATS Last 10 | 1-9 | 3-7 |
| O/U Overall | 21-17 | 21-17 |
| O/U Last 10 | 5-5 | 4-6 |
Game Odds
New Orleans Pelicans 246.5
Atlanta Hawks – 10.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 6, 2026
