New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen is eager for his upcoming game against the Atlanta Hawks, set for January 7, 2026. The rivalry sentiment between the two cities, embodied by the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints, adds extra motivation. Although these teams do not have a formal NBA rivalry, the competition runs deep.
Recent Motivations and Performances
The Atlanta Falcons recently triumphed over the New Orleans Saints with a score of 24-10. This victory further ignited the connection between the cities. The pivotal moment came during the Saints’ last drive when Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro sacked quarterback Tyler Shough.
In a playful banter, the Falcons mocked Queen on social media after their win, posting a video of Orhorhoro’s sack celebration alongside the caption: “Marked safe from Derik Queen.” Queen responded by sharing the tweet on his own account, highlighting the upcoming matchup against the Hawks.
Derik Queen’s Skills and Recent Achievements
Queen has been performing exceptionally well lately. In his previous game, he scored 20 points, recorded 9 rebounds, and had 2 steals. This performance marked his third consecutive game with at least 20 points, making him the first Pelicans player to reach this milestone since Zion Williamson in the 2019-20 season.
Upcoming Matchup Details
The Pelicans and Hawks are set to meet again on January 7 at 6:30 PM Central Time. This game will be their second encounter of the season. The Hawks took the first matchup by defeating the Pelicans 115-98.
- Matchup Date: January 7, 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM Central Time
- First Encounter Score: Hawks 115, Pelicans 98
As the anticipation builds, Derik Queen’s journey in the NBA continues to gain interest. His upcoming performance against the Hawks will be a crucial moment for both his career and the Pelicans’ season.
