New Orleans Pelicans vs Atlanta Hawks Betting Pick & Prediction for 1/7
The New Orleans Pelicans visit the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on January 7, 2026. The game starts at 7:30 PM and will air on FDSS. This early season game has the Pelicans trying to improve their record, which currently stands at 8-30. Their recent form shows a losing streak of eight games.
On the other side, the Atlanta Hawks have a 17-21 record. They are ranked 10th in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks are also trying to break a two-game losing streak. Both teams aim to get back on track as the season progresses.
Pelicans vs Hawks Game Day Info
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Atlanta Hawks
- Venue: State Farm Arena
- Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
- Betting Odds: Hawks -9.5, Pelicans +9.5
New Orleans Pelicans Team Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans have struggled in their recent games. They lost to the Los Angeles Lakers by a score of 111-103. Despite the loss, Trey Murphy III scored 42 points, showing his ability to lead the team in scoring.
In their season stats, the Pelicans rank low in several key areas. They are 20th in points per game and 28th in three-pointers made per game. Their defense allows 122.8 points per game, which is 28th in the league.
Key players like Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III have been consistent performers. Zion averages 22.5 points per game, while Trey Murphy III contributes 21.3 points per game. Injuries may affect their lineup, with Dejounte Murray out and Saddiq Bey listed as questionable.
Atlanta Hawks Team Preview
The Atlanta Hawks have had a mixed run in their recent games. They lost two games to the Toronto Raptors, with scores of 100-118 and 117-134. However, they secured a win against the New York Knicks, finishing with a score of 111-99.
Jalen Johnson has been a standout player for the Hawks this season. He averages 23.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game. Johnson has played in 34 games and has a field goal percentage of 52.1%.
The Hawks are strong on offense, ranking 11th in points per game with an average of 118.5. They are first in assists per game with 31.2. On the defensive side, they allow 119.9 points per game, which is 25th in the league.
BTB Betting Pick
The Hawks are favored by 9.5 points against the Pelicans. With the Hawks scoring 118.5 points per game and the Pelicans allowing 122.8 points, the projected score is around 122-112 in favor of the Hawks. The Hawks’ strong offense and the Pelicans’ weak defense suggest taking the Hawks to cover the spread.
The total for this game is set at 241.5 points. The combined average points scored and allowed by both teams is 241.2, which is very close to the line. Considering both teams’ defensive struggles, the over is a good choice.