The Atlanta Hawks are in action tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans as they aim to break their current four-game losing streak and kick off their back-to-back games on a positive note.
They will also face the Celtics on Monday evening, a matchup that promises to be quite challenging. Atlanta may be welcoming back one of their key players tonight, as Dyson Daniels was upgraded to questionable on the injury report yesterday, potentially bringing their top perimeter defender back into the lineup. However, De’Andre Hunter, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kobe Bufkin, and Vit Krejci will remain sidelined. The Pelicans are also grappling with injuries, missing former Hawk Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III, CJ McCollum, and Herb Jones. Jordan Hawkins is questionable for tonight’s game. The outcome of this matchup could hinge on which role players manage to step up.
The Hawks’ offense hasn’t been a major concern this season, but it hasn’t reached elite status either. Due to injuries, the defense has taken a hit, though the return of Daniels could provide a boost as he faces his former team. Heading into tonight’s game, the Hawks rank 11th in the NBA in points per game, 15th in field goal percentage, 14th in three-point attempts, 17th in three-point percentage, 2nd in free throw attempts, 20th in rebounding, and 19th in turnovers. According to Cleaning the Glass, Atlanta is 16th in points per 100 possessions, 13th in effective field goal percentage, 19th in turnover percentage, 18th in offensive rebounding percentage, and 3rd in free throw rate.
On defense, the Hawks are struggling, ranking 28th in points allowed per game, 16th in opponent field goal percentage, 27th in three-point attempts allowed, and last in three-point percentage allowed. Cleaning the Glass stats show they are 26th in points allowed per 100 possessions and 25th in effective field goal percentage allowed. For New Orleans, the statistics have not been strong this season either. They sit 24th in points per game, 19th in field goal percentage, 27th in three-point attempts, 15th in three-point percentage, 18th in free throw attempts, 15th in rebounds, and 13th in turnovers. Per Cleaning the Glass, the Pelicans rank 23rd in points per 100 possessions, 24th in effective field goal percentage, 16th in turnover percentage, 11th in offensive rebounding percentage, and 21st in free throw rate. Defensively, New Orleans is 16th in points allowed, 21st in opponent field goal percentage, 15th in three-point attempts allowed, and 25th in three-point percentage allowed. According to Cleaning the Glass, they are 16th in points allowed per 100 possessions and 20th in effective field goal percentage allowed.
Trae Young has had to shoulder a significant burden for the Hawks in the last two games due to the team’s depth issues, and even if Daniels returns tonight, things may not change much. Young scored 25 points on 8-21 shooting and provided 12 assists. With Jones and Murphy out for New Orleans, Young might find his scoring easier against their lack of top wing defenders. Daniels’ return would be significant from a defensive standpoint, and he also serves as an additional ball handler and good floor spacer. His status is worth monitoring. For No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher, shooting has been a challenge, but he has still contributed in other ways. However, for Risacher to be most effective, he needs to pose a legitimate scoring threat; he went 1-9 in almost 20 minutes last night. Jalen Johnson had been performing well before Friday’s game against the Kings, but struggled offensively, finishing with 14 points, nine assists, and five rebounds while shooting 4-10. Atlanta will have both Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu available tonight, which could lead to a strong performance.
The Pelicans’ center rotation features rookie Yves Missi and Daniels Theis, with Missi playing well, but Capela and Okongwu bring veteran experience that may give them the edge. The Hawks’ bench has been strong, particularly Garrison Matthews and Keaton Wallace. Matthews tallied 23 points and hit seven three-pointers against the Kings, keeping the Hawks competitive. Wallace has also excelled on both ends over the last two games and deserves more playing time. If Hawkins doesn’t play for the Pelicans, they will rely heavily on Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram to carry the offensive load. Losing Hawkins would significantly impact the Pelicans’ spacing and three-point shooting.
Dyson Daniels is listed as questionable for the game against Atlanta, while Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kobe Bufkin, De’Andre Hunter, and Vit Krejci will not play. For the Pelicans, Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy are unavailable, with Jordan Hawkins being listed as questionable.
Fanduel Sportsbook reports that New Orleans is favored by 4.5 points tonight, with the total set at 229
Projected Starting Lineups
Hawks
G: Trae Young –
G: Dyson Daniels –
F: Zaccharie Risacher –
F: Jalen Johnson
C: Clint Capela
Pelicans:
G: Jose Alvarado
G: Jordan Hawkins
F: Brandon Ingram
F: Zion Williamson
C: Yves Missi
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