The Atlanta Hawks (2-4) will face the New Orleans Pelicans (3-3) tonight in the NBA. Tipoff from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans is set for 7 p.m. ET.
The oddsmakers see the Pelicans as 4-point home favorites over the Hawks (Pelicans -4), while the total is set at over/under 230.5 points. The Hawks are off to a rough start at 0-6 against the spread through their first six games.
Read below for my Hawks vs. Pelicans prediction and my NBA picks for tonight.
Hawks vs. Pelicans Prediction
Pick: Brandon Ingram Over 23.5 Points (-111)
Hawks vs. Pelicans Odds, Spread, Over/Under
| Hawks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4 -108 | 230.5 -108o / -112u | +142 |
| Pelicans Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4 -112 | 230.5 -108o / -112u | -170 |
- Hawks vs. Pelicans Spread: Pelicans -3.5 (-110)
- Hawks vs. Pelicans Over/Under: 230.5
- Hawks vs. Pelicans Moneyline: Pelicans -170, Hawks +142
- Hawks vs. Pelicans Best Bet: Brandon Ingram Over 23.5 Points
Hawks Struggling To Defend
The Atlanta Hawks have been struggling. After starting out the season by winning their first two games against the Brooklyn Nets and the Charlotte Hornets, they have lost their last four games. In their first loss of the season, they were blown out by the Oklahoma City Thunder, which isn't the worst defeat since the Thunder are one of the best teams in the league.
In their second and third losses, they played the Washington Wizards. The Wizards beat the Hawks in two consecutive games, winning the first game in Atlanta in a close contest in which Trae Young shot only 2-of-15 from the field. In the second game in Washington, the Wizards won more convincingly by 13 points despite 35 points and 15 assists from Young.
Young is still getting his numbers, averaging 27.7 points and 11.7 assists, but he's only shooting 39% from the field and 30% from 3-point range, which isn't going to get the job done. He's getting to the free-throw line often, averaging 10 attempts per game and making nine.
The Hawks have struggled defensively. They are currently ranked 28th in defensive rating. The Pelicans also haven't been the best defensive team, but they have better offensive weapons.
Pelicans Look To Bounce Back
The New Orleans Pelicans (3-3) have had an inconsistent start. Like the Hawks, they won their first two games of the season, taking down the Chicago Bulls and winning a close one against the Portland Trail Blazers, when Brandon Ingram hit the game-winning shot. They played the Trail Blazers again in Portland for their third game and ended up getting blown out with a 125-103 defeat; New Orleans shouldn't get blown out by Portland.
The Pelicans lost back-to-back games in San Francisco against the Golden State Warriors, who are without Stephen Curry after he injured his left ankle in his third game. The team bounced back in their last game against the Indiana Pacers this past Friday, ending their three-game losing streak.
Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram have to be better, as both of their talents shouldn't allow this team to be blown out by teams that are at a disadvantage. That said, the Pelicans do have their fair share of injuries right now, as CJ McCollum and Herbert Jones were recently ruled out for at least two weeks. Trey Murphy III also hasn't played yet this season because of a hamstring strain, while Dejounte Murray will be out for at least a month after having surgery on his left hand.
Ingram is averaging 23 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. He's shooting 48% from the field and 40% from 3-point range and has scored 25+ points in 3-of-6 games. Going up against a Hawks team that has really struggled defensively, it could be another high-scoring game for Ingram.
Hawks vs. Pelicans Pick
The Hawks have struggled defensively and allow the second-most points in the league.
I think Brandon Ingram has a good chance of getting his points tonight, which is why I like the over on his points prop on Sunday evening.
