New Orleans vs Hawks Prediction 31 October 2026
🏀 In this NBA regular season matchup, the New Orleans Pelicans are set to face the Atlanta Hawks. The hosts remain near the bottom of the Western Conference, lacking the resources to turn their season around. Meanwhile, Atlanta continue to improve across the board and look well positioned to come out on top once again. Home court advantage is unlikely to make much of a difference for New Orleans-the gap in quality between these teams is simply too wide.
Head-to-Head
📊 The last meeting between these teams took place in January, with the Atlanta Hawks coming out on top 117-100. In their last five head-to-head clashes, the Hawks hold a commanding advantage, winning four out of five.
Head-to-head statistics New Orleans - Hawks
New Orleans Pelicans: A Team in Perpetual Crisis
The hosts recently picked up their first win of the regular season, taking down Sacramento 132-120. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the New Orleans Pelicans are set to build on that success. Yes, they’re among the highest-scoring teams this season, averaging around 120 points per game. However, that’s more a sign of their fast-paced style than offensive efficiency. The high tempo leads to plenty of shot attempts and points, but also exposes their defense-on average, they concede 121.6 points per game. Against top-tier opponents, that number can climb even higher, as it did against Denver in a 135-141 shootout.
On the injury front, the Pelicans aren’t dealing with any major roster issues-only Missi is sidelined, and they have options to cover at center. Zion Williamson is gradually finding his rhythm; he dropped 22 points on a near-perfect 10-for-12 shooting night against the Kings. Still, Atlanta are expected to pay special defensive attention to him. Another concern for the hosts is their lack of cohesion: New Orleans rank just 20th in the league in assists per game, highlighting ongoing issues with ball movement and chemistry.
Match Results: New Orleans Pelicans
Atlanta Hawks: The visitors are finding their rhythm
Atlanta are looking much sharper than New Orleans at the moment. The visitors recently edged out Cleveland (114-111) and have impressive wins over Charlotte (128-81) and Orlando (132-125) under their belt. Admittedly, their performances against contenders haven’t always gone to plan, with back-to-back losses to Houston (110-120, 114-121). Still, this matchup could spark another positive run for Atlanta. The quality of the opposition is manageable, and the Hawks are finding their rhythm. They’re averaging 119.2 points per game while conceding just 114.5. Atlanta thrive in a high-tempo environment.
One of Atlanta’s key advantages in this contest should be their ability to execute team-oriented basketball. Right now, they lead the league in assists with 32.5 per game. Turnovers are also kept to a minimum - just 13.8 compared to the Pelicans’ 17.4. The visitors are far more likely to turn possessions into meaningful shots. On top of that, the Hawks defend the perimeter extremely well, allowing opponents to hit just 31.4% from beyond the arc so far.
Match Results: Atlanta Hawks
First Quarter Prediction
In their last ten home games, the New Orleans Pelicans have scored fewer than 31.5 points in the opening quarter. Their average first-quarter output at home stands at just 24 points. The smart pick here is New Orleans Pelicans individual total under 31.5 points in the first quarter at odds of 1.67*.
Match Outcome Prediction
The Atlanta Hawks have claimed victory in 7 of their last 10 games, while the New Orleans Pelicans have managed 4 wins over the same stretch. The visitors have also picked up 5 road wins this season. Back Atlanta Hawks to win at odds of 1.53*.
Total Points Prediction
The total has gone under 246.5 points in 9 of the last 10 games featuring the Atlanta Hawks. At home, the New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 112.5 points scored and conceding 113.25 per game. Backing under 246.5 total points at odds of 1.56* looks like a solid option here.
Reliable Bet
In 11 of their last 12 home games, the New Orleans Pelicans have seen the total score stay under 252.5 points. Meanwhile, in 9 of the last 10 games for the Atlanta Hawks, the combined total hasn’t even reached 246.5 points. Our pick: under 252.5 total points at odds of 1.32*.
*Odds are approximate and may vary across different bookmakers.
⭐ Editorial Prediction
The visitors enter this matchup as clear favourites. Atlanta Hawks boast an exceptionally talented roster capable of outplaying top opposition. McCollum brings valuable experience to the squad, while Johnson and Daniels continue to develop as reliable offensive threats. Dort has emerged as a near-perfect defender, leaving no obvious weaknesses in their lineup. Meanwhile, New Orleans Pelicans remain mired in crisis. Given these circumstances, our editorial team sees value in backing Atlanta Hawks with a -3.5 handicap.
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Betting Tips: New Orleans Pelicans - Atlanta Hawks
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