The New Orleans Pelicans will face the Atlanta Hawks in a highly anticipated matchup on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. EST. This game follows a big performance by Trey Murphy III, who scored 42 points in a recent loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Currently, the Pelicans hold an 8-30 record, placing them 15th in the Western Conference. In contrast, the Hawks are at 17-21, ranked 10th in the Eastern Conference.
Game Overview
Atlanta’s home record stands at 6-11 this season. They are known for their fast-paced style, averaging 17.6 fast-break points per game, positioning them third in the NBA. Nickeil Alexander-Walker leads the Hawks in this category with an average of 4.0 fast-break points.
The Pelicans have struggled on the road, with a 2-13 away record. However, they excel on the offensive boards, ranking fourth in the Western Conference with an average of 12.7 rebounds per game. Yves Missi is the standout player in this category, averaging 2.8 offensive rebounds.
Shooting and Scoring Statistics
- The Hawks have recorded an average of 14.4 made three-pointers per game.
- The Pelicans allow 14.9 three-pointers per game.
- New Orleans is shooting 46.1% from the field, while opponents of the Hawks shoot 47.8%.
This matchup marks the second encounter of the season. In their previous game on November 23, the Hawks defeated the Pelicans 115-98, led by Kristaps Porzingis, who scored 30 points.
Top Performers
- Jalen Johnson (Hawks): 23.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 8.4 assists.
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Hawks): 20.2 points over the last 10 games.
- Trey Murphy III (Pelicans): 21.3 points, 6.1 rebounds per game.
- Jordan Poole (Pelicans): 1.9 made three-pointers over the last 10 games.
Recent Performance
Both teams have faced difficulties recently, each posting a 2-8 record in their last ten games. The Hawks average 119.0 points per game, while allowing 125.1 points to their opponents. The Pelicans, on the other hand, average 114.8 points and allow 122.3 points.
Injury Updates
- Hawks: N’Faly Dante is out for the season due to a knee injury; Trae Young is day-to-day with a quad issue.
- Pelicans: Dejounte Murray is out with a leg injury; Saddiq Bey is day-to-day with a hip issue.
This matchup is crucial for both teams as they aim to improve their standings in the league. The Pelicans will rely on Murphy’s recent scoring prowess against the Hawks’ dynamic play.
