Atlanta visits New Orleans on Saturday at Smoothie King Center, with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. Both teams won Thursday and had Friday off. Atlanta is looking for a steadier defensive performance, while New Orleans wants to build on its first victory. The Hawks are favored by 4.5 points, with the total at 240.5. I’m taking the Pelicans with the points and looking under.
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Hawks vs Pelicans Game Information
| Game Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Atlanta Hawks at New Orleans Pelicans |
| Date and time | Saturday, October 31, 2026 — 7:00 p.m. ET |
| Arena | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Spread used | New Orleans +4.5 |
| Total used | 240.5 |
Atlanta Has Enough Offense to Win Without Owning the Entire Game
Atlanta is 3-3 overall and 2-1 on the road after Thursday’s 114-111 win over Cleveland. The victory ended a three-game losing streak. Holding off a late comeback was useful, but the Hawks still need more sustained defensive execution before a road favorite’s spread becomes comfortable.
The Hawks have averaged 119.2 points and allowed 114.5. Their offense can create enough opportunities to win this matchup, particularly if they move the ball before New Orleans establishes its interior coverage. The defensive task is less forgiving: allowing repeated paint penetration would make it difficult to build separation.
Onyeka Okongwu supplied 29 points and 12 rebounds against Cleveland. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 25, giving Atlanta productive scoring beyond its primary playmakers. Those contributions matter against a defense that can concentrate attention on the initial ball handler. Mouhamed Gueye and Henri Veesaar have been sidelined, and the final report still needs checking for changes to the available frontcourt.
New Orleans Finally Found Offensive Support
New Orleans is 1-4 overall and 1-2 at home after beating Sacramento 132-120 on Thursday. The Pelicans had scored only 91 against Denver the previous night. That swing illustrates why one strong result should not be treated as a dependable offensive expectation.
The Pelicans have averaged 119.4 points and allowed 121.6. Their offense has generally offered a route to competitiveness, but the defense continues to put pressure on the scoring. New Orleans needs to contain Atlanta’s first attack and avoid leaving easy finishing opportunities when help arrives. Better defensive possessions would also reduce the need to chase the game.
Zion Williamson scored 22 points on 10-of-12 shooting Thursday, and Jeremiah Fears added 22 points and 13 assists. Their interior pressure and creation give New Orleans a practical way to challenge Atlanta. Yves Missi is out with a knee injury, while Jordan Poole missed Thursday with an ankle issue. Those statuses matter for depth and supporting offense.
Hawks vs Pelicans Statistical Comparison
2026-27 figures through October 30; averages are rounded.
| Category | Atlanta | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 3-3 | 1-4 |
| Relevant location record | 2-1 away | 1-2 home |
| Points per game | 119.2 | 119.4 |
| Points allowed per game | 114.5 | 121.6 |
Atlanta Hawks vs New Orleans Pelicans Picks and Predictions
Spread Pick: New Orleans Pelicans +4.5
I lean Atlanta outright but prefer taking the points. New Orleans has enough interior scoring and playmaking to remain involved, especially at home with a day to prepare. Atlanta’s defensive improvement Thursday was encouraging, although it followed several difficult performances. The risk is the Pelicans returning to their earlier offensive inconsistency while their defense gives Atlanta clean opportunities. I still expect a competitive finish rather than a comfortable road margin. My projection is Atlanta 119, New Orleans 116.
Total Pick: Under 240.5
The total leaves room for both offenses to play reasonably well. New Orleans’ latest result came against a Sacramento defense that has struggled badly, while Atlanta’s win over Cleveland produced only 225 combined points. My projection lands at 235. The strongest argument against the under is the Pelicans’ defense allowing Atlanta to score efficiently without needing difficult shots. Turnovers creating transition baskets would add another problem. I still prefer the under because reaching 241 requires sustained contributions rather than a few productive stretches.
Final Prediction
| Selection | Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline winner | Atlanta |
| ATS | New Orleans +4.5 |
| Total | Under 240.5 |
| Projected score | Atlanta 119, New Orleans 116 |
| Preferred selection | New Orleans +4.5 |
Final Picks: Atlanta moneyline, New Orleans +4.5 and Under 240.5.
Prepared October 31, 2026. Picks apply to the listed numbers. Odds and availability may change. Early-season statistics reflect small samples.