The New Orleans Pelicans are facing the Atlanta Hawks this evening in a matchup that will take place in The Big Easy.
The Pelicans are struggling, currently riding an eight-game losing streak, and have been weak defensively, giving up 121.8 points per game while scoring just 109.3 points on average.
The Hawks come into the game with a 9-7 record and have delivered solid performances despite missing star guard Trae Young due to a right knee MCL sprain. In Young’s absence, Jalen Johnson is leading the Hawks with averages of 22.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 6.6 assists.
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Is Zion Williamson Playing Tonight?
Zion Williamson made his return from a hamstring injury earlier this week, and he was able to take the floor last night against the Dallas Mavericks.
However, Williamson is listed as day-to-day, and considering the matchup against the Hawks is the second leg of a back-to-back, he could very well be sidelined against the Hawks.
The Pelicans will already be thin with Dejounte Murray still sidelined and both Jordan Poole and Karlo Matkovic listed as day-to-day.
Atlanta Hawks Injury Report
Trae Young: Out (sprained right knee MCL).
Onyeka Okongwu: Questionable (inflamed left ankle).
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report
Dejounte Murray: Out (Achilles injury, expected out until at least January).
Zion Williamson: Day-to-day (hamstring injury).
Jordan Poole: Day-to-day (quad/knee injury).
Karlo Matkovic: Day-to-day (calf injury).
New Orleans Pelicans Player StatsÂ
Trey Murphy III Stats: GP 16, PTS 20.3, REB 6.3, AST 2.9, BLK 0.3
Zion Williamson Stats: GP 7, PTS 21.4, REB 6.1, AST 4.3, BLK 0.3
Jordan Poole Stats: GP 7, PTS 17.3, REB 1.7, AST 3.4, BLK 0.3
Jeremiah Fears Stats: GP 16, PTS 15.7, REB 3.2, AST 2.6, BLK 0.1
Derik Queen Stats: GP 16, PTS 12.2, REB 6.4, AST 3.3, BLK 0.8
Atlanta Hawks Player StatsÂ
Jalen Johnson Stats: GP 14, PTS 22.3, REB 9.6, AST 6.6, BLK 0.3
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Stats: GP 14, PTS 19.7, REB 2.9, AST 3.6, BLK 1.0
Kristaps Porzingis Stats: GP 10, PTS 17.2, REB 5.6, AST 3.4, BLK 1.6
Trae Young Stats: GP 5, PTS 17.8, REB 2.0, AST 7.8, BLK 0.2
Onyeka Okongwu Stats: GP 16, PTS 16.0, REB 7.4, AST 2.7, BLK 1.1
Hawks vs. Pelicans Preview
The Pelicans have hit an unfortunate stretch this season. They’ve dropped eight straight games, including five at home, and their defense keeps putting them in tough spots. They’re giving up 121.8 points a night and getting outscored by about 12.5 on average.
Trey Murphy and Zion Williamson (when healthy) are doing their part on offense, but the team still isn’t turning those efforts into wins.
Atlanta enters this matchup as the clear favorite. The Hawks have gone 7-3 on the road and handled the Pelicans in their last two meetings without much trouble.
What this really means is the outlook leans heavily toward Atlanta winning by a solid margin, while New Orleans’ unfortunate skid at home continues.