The Atlanta Hawks come in as heavy favorites against the struggling New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, November 22. Atlanta sits at 9-7 while New Orleans stumbles at 2-14. This matchup features one of the biggest talent gaps in the NBA right now. The Hawks hold a 25-22 all-time edge in the series.
🔥 Quick Facts:
Hawks favored by 8.5 to 9.5 points depending on sportsbook
Trae Young averaging 17.8 PPG and 7.8 APG this season
Pelicans on an 8-game losing streak heading into this contest
Zion Williamson ruled out with left hamstring injury management
Game time: 6:00 PM CT on Saturday, November 22 at New Orleans
What Happened Leading Up to This Matchup
New Orleans fired head coach Willie Green on November 15 after a dismal 2-10 start. James Borrego stepped in as interim coach but the turnaround hasn’t materialized yet. The Pelicans continue sliding with losses stacking up fast. Meanwhile, the Hawks are firmly in playoff contention at 9-7, sitting just one game behind fourth place. Atlanta beat Orlando with a strong comeback performance. They’re playing consistent basketball on both ends of the floor.
The Pelicans lost to Dallas 118-115 recently despite Trey Murphy III scoring 25 points. Zion Williamson played nearly 30 minutes on Friday night but is now out for Saturday due to hamstring management. This severely limits New Orleans’ offensive firepower.
Head-to-Head Analysis and Current Form
Atlanta leads the all-time series 25-22 against New Orleans through their regular season matchups. The Hawks have been one of the better teams at spreading the ball. Trae Young is running the offense effectively, dishing 7.8 assists per game. Over his last 15 games, Young has been putting up 26.5 PPG with 11.7 APG.
The Pelicans are averaging just 109.3 points per game in the regular season, well below league average. Without Williamson, Murphy becomes their primary scoring option. He’s been their most consistent threat. James Poole and CJ McCollum have also missed games. The Pelicans’ depth is severely tested.
Statistic
Hawks
Pelicans
Record
9-7
2-14
PPG Avg
117.8
109.3
PPG Against
115.7
121.8
APG
30.4
22.9
Current Streak
Positive form
8-Game Losing
All-Time vs Opponent
25-22
22-25
Atlanta’s assists per game lead tells the story. They move the ball effectively. The Pelicans allow 121.8 PPG, which ranks among the league’s worst defenses. Atlanta’s scoring ability should take advantage.
Key Players and Injury Report Impact
Trae Young is still recovering from a right knee MCL sprain but is expected to play. He’s been the engine of this Hawks offense. His ball-handling and court vision are elite. Young’s availability makes a massive difference. Moritz Wagner remains out with a left knee injury for Atlanta.
Zion Williamson is out for Saturday due to left hamstring injury management. He scored 21.3 PPG in limited appearances but the frequent absences have hurt continuity. Trey Murphy III is healthy and leads New Orleans with strong play. The depth issues for the Pelicans compound without their superstar forward available.
Betting Odds and Prediction Analysis
The Hawks come in as 8.5- to 9.5-point favorites at most sportsbooks. Multiple prediction models favor Atlanta heavily. One algorithm showed the Hawks with a 62% probability of victory. The over/under sits at 230.5 total points. Early predictions suggest a Hawks victory around 120-111 or similar margins.
This isn’t a trap game for Atlanta. New Orleans’ struggles are real and persistent. The Pelicans need a near-perfect game to compete. Atlanta’s offensive firepower plus New Orleans’ weak defense creates an enticing matchup for favorites. The spread appears justified given the current situations.
What Should Fans Watch For Saturday Night?
Trae Young’s minutes — Will he stay healthy throughout the contest?
Hawks’ pace — Atlanta wants to run and push tempo against this weak Pelicans defense
Trey Murphy III scoring — He’s New Orleans’ only reliable offensive weapon right now
Three-point shooting — Both teams live and die by the three in modern NBA
Bench production — Atlanta’s depth should overwhelm New Orleans’ reserves
Can the Pelicans Shock the World?
New Orleans would need near-perfect execution and top performances from everyone healthy. Murphy scoring 25-30 points combined with solid role player contributions might make it competitive. But losing Williamson removes their margin for error almost entirely.
Atlanta’s talent gap is simply too significant. The Hawks have multiple playmakers. Young runs the show but others step up too. New Orleans can’t match that versatility. Plus, momentum matters. The Hawks have it while the Pelicans spiral. Will Saturday night be the start of something different for New Orleans? Statistically, it seems unlikely.
Sources
ESPN — Live scores and injury reports
StatMuse — NBA statistics and records
FanDuel — Betting odds and predictions
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.