The Atlanta Hawks (9-7) and New Orleans Pelicans (2-14) meet Saturday at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Hawks vs. Pelicans odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2024-25 season series: Hawks swept 2-0
The Hawks lost to the San Antonio Spurs 135-126 Thursday, failing to cover as a 1-point road underdog. The Over (234.5) hit. G Nickeil Alexander-Walker put on a show, scoring 38 points on 13-for-17 shooting. Atlanta has lost 2 in a row after a season-high 5-game win streak. It is 5-2 against the spread (ATS) in its last 7 games and 8-8 ATS on the season.
The Pelicans lost to the Dallas Mavericks 118-115 Friday, narrowly covering as a 3.5-point road underdog. The Under (234) cashed. F Zion Williamson, who has missed most of the year, tallied 22 points as F Trey Murphy III led the team with 25. New Orleans has lost 8 straight contests but is 4-3-1 ATS in that span. It is 7-7-2 ATS on the season.
Hawks at Pelicans odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:20 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Hawks -400 (bet $400 to win $100) | Pelicans +310 (bet $100 to win $310)Against the spread: Hawks -8.5 (-115) | Pelicans +8.5 (-105)Over/Under (O/U): 230.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Hawks at Pelicans key injuries
Hawks
C Onyeka Okongwu (ankle) outG Trae Young (knee) out
Pelicans
(Not yet submitted — below was for Friday’s game)
G Dejounte Murray (Achilles) outG Jordan Poole (quad) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Hawks at Pelicans picks and predictionsPrediction
Hawks 122, Pelicans 117
PASS.
No interest. The Hawks (-400) have been far more consistent and should win with ease Saturday night.
BET PELICANS +8.5 (-115).
The Hawks haven’t performed well as a heavy favorite this season. They have been a favorite of more than 5 points twice, going 0-2 ATS in those contests. Atlanta’s defense has also been awful, allowing at least 120 points in 4 straight games, so it may struggle to pull away by any type of signficant margin.
The Pelicans have been on a roll, scoring at least 115 points in 2 straight games. They have covered 3 games in a row and are 6-3-1 ATS in their last 10. Considering those trends, take PELICANS +8.5 (-115).
BET OVER 230.5 (-110).
New Orleans has allowed at least 118 points in 6 straight games, going 4-2 O/U in that span and 9-7 O/U on the season.
The Hawks have gone Over in 5 straight games and are also 9-7 O/U on the season. They have gone Over in 4 in a row on the road. Back OVER 230.5 (-110).
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