The New Orleans Pelicans (21-26) host the Atlanta Hawks (24-24) Friday at Smoothie King Center for a 9 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the Hawks-Pelicans odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
The Hawks won 134-129 double-overtime thriller against the San Antonio Spurs as 1-point underdogs last night to stop a two-game losing skid.
This will be Atlanta’s last of an eight-game Western Conference road swing; the Hawks are 3-4 straight-up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) on their road trip.
New Orleans was on the losing end of its own overtime game last night after getting upset by the Orlando Magic 115-110 as 5-point home favorites. Before that loss, the Pelicans were 4-1 SU and ATS in their previous five games.
Hawks at Pelicans: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Hawks +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Pelicans -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Hawks +1.5 (-110) | Pelicans -1.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 222.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Hawks at Pelicans: Key injuries
Hawks
- PF John Collins (ankle) out
- SG Cam Reddish (Achilles) out
- SF De’Andre Hunter (knee) out
Pelicans
- PG Lonzo Ball (hip) questionable
- PF Zion Williamson (thumb) questionable
- SF Brandon Ingram (toe) questionable
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Hawks at Pelicans: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Pelicans 118, Hawks 111
Money line (ML)
Just a reminder: Wait until as close to tip-off as possible before wagering on this game.
If two of the Pelicans’ top-3 scorers can play—and specifically Zion—then I “LIKE” PELICANS (-125) for 1.25 units. If not, then I’d “LEAN” Hawks but would end up passing.
But, Zion is like a bull in an antique shop, and his physicality wreaks havoc on opposing defenses.
New Orleans is first in second-chance points and third in fast-break points per game, and these are weak spots for Atlanta’s defense. The Hawks are 20th in second-chance points and 17th in fast-break points per game allowed.
Both teams are in the top-5 of FTA/FG rate but New Orleans is 11th in defensive FTA/FG rate – whereas Atlanta is 20th in defensive FTA/FG rate.
Finally, the Pelicans and Hawks are first and second, respectively, in offensive rebounding rate, but New Orleans is fifth in defensive rebounding percentage, and Atlanta is 21st.
BET PELICANS (-125) for 1.25 units if Zion plays tonight.
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Against the spread (ATS)
PASS since New Orleans’ money line is only 15 cents on the dollar more expensive than the Pelicans -1.5 (-110) to cover.
Over/Under (O/U)
Slight “LEAN” Over 222.5 (-115) for a one-fifth unit, if at all since, again, we don’t know who’s in the lineup at the moment. Also, surprisingly both teams play at a below-average pace.
However, I do envision New Orleans getting easy buckets at the rim and in transition and Atlanta being able to knock down threes against the Pelicans’ second-worst 3-point shooting defense.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
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Also see:
- Bet Slippin’ Podcast: 2021 MLB American League Betting Preview
- Lonzo Ball says he’s happy to be in New Orleans, not be dealt at trade deadline (Lonzo Wire)
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