Fans from the Atlanta area are looking to enjoy a good weekend in New Orleans with the Falcons in town to play the Saints Sunday.
The enjoyment started Saturday.
The Atlanta Hawks extended the misery that is the 2025-26 campaign to date for the New Orleans Pelicans, thumping the depleted hometown team at Smoothie King Center, 113-96.
New Orleans started well, taking a 25-21 lead after one quarter.
Atlanta took over in the second quarter, outscoring the Pelicans 35-21 to take a 56-46 halftime lead. The Hawks extended the lead to 88-70 heading to the final quarter.
The Pelicans played without Zion Williamson, Herb Jones and Jordan Poole and it showed.
This is an offensively challenged team, even when healthy, a poor shooting team lacking an effective perimeter game.
Derik Queen showed well again, scoring 20 points and he pulled down nine rebounds.
Trey Murphy had 19 points and nine rebounds while Saddiq Bey played well, scoring 18 points with 11 rebounds and five assists.
Micah Peavy got his first start, giving the Pelicans three rookies in the starting lineup, joining Queen and Jeremiah Fears.
Once again, New Orleans shot poorly from distance, making just 8 of 30 attempts from 3-point range (30%).
Kristaps Porzingis led Atlanta with 29 points while Vit Krejci had 21 points on seven 3-pointers.
The Pelicans (2-15) have now dropped nine straight games.
New Orleans hosts the Chicago Bulls Monday night.