The New Orleans Pelicans are back in action tonight, taking on the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Things have been rough for the Pels lately—they’re on a 10-game road losing streak, have lost eight in a row (14 of their last 15), and coming off a tough 118-85 blowout loss to the Knicks last night. With injuries piling up and confidence slipping, this game feels like a chance to right the ship—or at least try to stop the bleeding against the only sub-.500 team they will likely face before the start of the new year.
The Hawks won the first meeting of the season, beating the Pelicans 126-111 on Nov. 3 at the Smoothie King Center. Former Pelicans Dyson Daniels (16 points, five rebounds) and Larry Nance Jr. (14 points, six rebounds) helped lead the Hawks to victory. New Orleans was without Dejounte Murray who was out with a broken left hand.
The Injury Bug Bites Hard
If there’s one storyline for New Orleans this season, it’s injuries. Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, Jose Alvarado, and Jordan Hawkins are all out again tonight, leaving head coach Willie Green scrambling to put together a competitive lineup. The return of starters Murray, CJ McCollum, and Trey Murphy has done little to change the team’s fortunes.
McCollum has been the best of the bunch, averaging a team-best 21.3 points over the last four games.
This is Dejounte Murray’s first game back in Atlanta since the off-season trade that sent him to New Orleans. He’ll have a little extra motivation to perform against his former team, and the Hawks’ defense will be locked in on him.
As has been his custom, Trey Murphy has struggled to find his shooting touch after missing the start of the season due to injury. Though he is averaging a career-high 17.8 points per game, “Trigga” is shooting a career-worst 38.6 percent from the floor (30.3 3P%).
Green knows his squad is struggling but says it all comes down to belief. “We’ve got to find our confidence. That’s the biggest thing I saw,” he said after last night’s loss. “Believing when we step on the floor that we have what it takes to compete.”
Hawks Heating Up
While New Orleans is still searching for answers, Atlanta has started to find its rhythm. The Hawks are on a three-game winning streak and are looking to climb above .500. Jalen Johnson has been a breakout star, averaging 20.1 points and 9.9 rebounds during this stretch. He’s been a beast in the paint, and his chemistry with Trae Young has given Atlanta a real boost.
Speaking of Young, he’s been more of a playmaker than a scorer this season, leading the league with 12.1 assists per game. Players like Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu, have been stepping up also, and shooter Bogdan Bogdanovic is back in the mix after battling some early-season injuries.
Daniels has been the lynchpin of the Hawks’ defense, leading the NBA in steals with 3.0 per game. He’s also averaging career highs in points (13.5), rebounds (5.1), and assists (3.1).
The Bottom Line
Let’s be real—this is a tough spot for the Pelicans. They’re banged up, on the road, and playing on the second night of a back-to-back. Atlanta, on the other hand, is rested and rolling. For New Orleans to have a shot, they’ll need to dig deep, play tough defense, and find some offensive rhythm early.
The Hawks are not a good team, but they are playing good basketball right now, something the Pelicans haven’t done all season.
Here’s hoping the Pelicans can put together a strong showing and give their fans a reason to believe.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| New Orleans Pelicans | Atlanta Hawks |
| G – Dejounte Murray | G – Trae Young |
| G – CJ McCollum | G – Dyson Daniels |
| F – Javonte Green | F – Zaccharie Risacher |
| F – Trey Murphy III | F – Jalen Johnson |
| C – Yves Missi | C – Clint Capela |
Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans: Brandon Ingram (right calf soreness) is QUESTIONABLE. Herb Jones (right shoulder strain) is DOUBTFUL. Jose Alvarado (left hamstring strain), Jordan Hawkins (low back soreness), and Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain) are OUT.
Atlanta Hawks: Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) and Trae Young (Achilles) are PROBABLE. Cody Zeller (personal) is OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (4-17) vs Atlanta Hawks (10-11)
Season Series:
- Nov. 3: Hawks def. Pelicans, 126-111
- Dec. 2: Pelicans @ Hawks
Series History: The Pelicans are 22-24 all-time vs. the Hawks. New Orleans has lost nine of their last 12 against the Hawks but won on its previous trip to Atlanta, 116-103.
Where: State Farm Arena
When: Dec. 2, 6:30 PM CST
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
For more content, visit HITP Sports on YouTube or HITP Sports online.
READ MORE
- Brandon Ingram joins Klutch Sports, uncertainty surrounds Pelicans’ future
- Knicks dominate lifeless Pelicans in 118-85 rout
- Pelicans look to end losing streak against Knicks at MSG
- Pelicans routed by Cavs despite Antonio Reeves’ career night
- Pelicans face NBA-Leading Cavaliers after humbling loss without Brandon Ingram
- After ending losing streak, Pelicans hope to build momentum by beating Lakers
- No joke: Pelicans carry 6-game skid into tournament opener vs. Nuggets
- With injuries and losses mounting, should Pelicans trade Brandon Ingram to jumpstart rebuild?
- Pelicans collapse after early lead, suffer sixth straight loss in defeat to Thunder
- Pelicans aim to end 5-game losing streak on the road vs. West-leading Thunder
- Expectations. Injuries. Disappointment. Time for Zion Williamson to break the cycle
- Brandon Ingram’s 32 not enough as Pelicans get rocked by Hawks
- Pelicans sign guard Jaylen Nowell to bolster backcourt
- Wounded Birds: Pelicans and Hawks battle through injuries
