Hawks face must-win showdown against struggling Pelicans
The Atlanta Hawks find themselves at a crucial juncture in the season as they prepare to take on the New Orleans Pelicans. After a promising five-game winning streak that saw them excel in the absence of Trae Young, the Hawks have stumbled in their last two outings, prompting a need for urgency.
Recent Struggles
In their most recent game, the Hawks suffered a narrow defeat to the Detroit Pistons, a loss that can be somewhat excused given the Pistons’ current form as one of the top teams in the league. However, the following game was marked by a disheartening performance against the San Antonio Spurs, who played without stars Victor Wembanyama and Dylan Harper. The Hawks allowed a staggering 135 points, undermining their competitive spirit.
Despite the team’s defensive woes, Jalen Johnson stood out with impressive numbers: 26 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. Yet his efforts were overshadowed by Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who exploded for a career-high 38 points, including eight three-pointers, five assists, and three blocks. Alexander-Walker’s all-around play has been a bright spot for the Hawks, alongside solid contributions from Kristaps Porzingis and Onyeka Okongwu, who combined for 30 points and 12 rebounds.
However, the Hawks’ defense faltered, with Johnson’s lapses in awareness contributing to the team’s inability to stem the Spurs’ scoring runs. Despite shooting an impressive 54% from beyond the arc, they fell short against a team they should have been able to beat.
The Stakes Against the Pelicans
Tonight’s matchup against the Pelicans is more than just another game; it is a vital opportunity for the Hawks to regain momentum after two disappointing performances. The stakes are heightened by the fact that the Hawks control the Pelicans’ first-round pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, and given New Orleans’ current position at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a dismal record of 2-14, a win tonight could significantly benefit Atlanta’s draft positioning.
Offensive and Defensive Metrics
Despite their recent struggles, the Hawks’ offense has been a strength, ranking 17th in points scored, 7th in field goal percentage, and 9th in three-point shooting percentage. They have excelled in assists, sitting second in the league, which highlights the importance of a multi-faceted offensive approach rather than relying solely on Trae Young.
Conversely, the Hawks’ defense has slipped back towards mediocrity, currently holding a 15th place ranking in points allowed and 12th in field goal percentage allowed. The Pelicans, on the other hand, have struggled offensively, ranking dead last in points scored and offensive efficiency metrics. Their offense is hindered by inefficiencies, as they also rank poorly in field goal percentage, three-point shooting, and assists.
Three Reasons Atlanta Can Win This Game
1. Fast Break Opportunities
The Pelicans have been vulnerable on defense, particularly in transition, ranking 28th in fast break points allowed. The Hawks, equipped with quick and agile players like Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, can exploit this weakness and capitalize on turnovers.
2. Defensive Matchups
New Orleans has found some success with rookie Derik Queen, who has been impressive recently but lacks rebounding prowess. The Hawks possess the defensive depth to contain Queen, with capable defenders in Mo Gueye, Porzingis, and Okongwu ready to challenge him and limit his impact.
3. Bench Depth
While the Pelicans struggle with bench production, the Hawks have seen contributions from various role players throughout the season. Asa Newell, Vit Krejci, and Okongwu have all demonstrated the ability to swing games in Atlanta’s favor, providing the Hawks with a significant advantage in depth.
Three Reasons Atlanta Might Lose This Game
1. Emerging Stars
Despite their struggles, the Pelicans feature talented wings like Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III. Murphy has found his rhythm, averaging over 20 points in recent games, and could exploit the Hawks’ defensive lapses if they are not careful.
2. Rebounding Concerns
New Orleans boasts a formidable offensive rebounding presence, ranking 8th in the league in that category. The Hawks’ lack of physicality on the boards could lead to extra possessions for the Pelicans, which could prove costly in a close contest.
3. Fourth-Quarter Performance
Despite their overall record, the Pelicans have markedly improved their fourth-quarter play since the firing of head coach Willie Green. They rank among the top teams in scoring during this period, suggesting they could pose a threat late in the game if the Hawks do not maintain their composure.
Injury Report
For the Hawks, Trae Young and N’Faly Dante are both sidelined, while Onyeka Okongwu is listed as questionable. The Pelicans have yet to release their injury report, as they are coming off a back-to-back set of games.
How to Watch
Tip-off time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Where to Watch: FanDuel Sports Network
Projected Starting Lineups
Hawks
G – Dyson Daniels
G – Nickeil Alexander-Walker
F – Zaccharie Risacher
F – Jalen Johnson
C – Kristaps Porzingis
Pelicans
G – Jeremiah Fears
G – Herb Jones
F – Trey Murphy III
F – Zion Williamson
C – Derik Queen
As the Hawks gear up for this must-win showdown, the pressure is on to reclaim their momentum and make a statement against a struggling Pelicans team.
