The New Orleans Pelicans (3-3) welcome the Atlanta Hawks (2-4) to Smoothie King Center Sunday. Tip is set for 7 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Hawks vs. Pelicans odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; teams split 2 games in 2023-24
The Hawks beat the Sacramento Kings 123-115 Friday, failing to cover as a 6-point underdog. Atlanta is 0-6 against the spread (ATS), going 0-2 ATS on the road and also 0-2 ATS as an underdog. The Hawks won their first 2 games by a combined 9 points and have lost their last 4, including back-to-back losses to the Washington Wizards. Atlanta is led by G Trae Young, who is averaging 27.7 points per game (PPG).
The Pelicans started off their season hot, beating the Chicago Bulls and Portland Trail Blazers. They lost the next 3, but are coming off a 125-118 victory over the Indiana Pacers Friday, closing as a 4.5-point home underdog. New Orleans has played just twice at home (2-0 ATS). It is 2-4 ATS on the season and 1-3 ATS as a favorite. The Pelicans are led by F Brandon Ingram, who is averaging 23 PPG.
Hawks at Pelicans odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 1:43 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Hawks +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Pelicans -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Hawks +5.5 (-115) | Pelicans -5.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 229.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Hawks at Pelicans key injuries
Hawks
- G Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) out
- F De’Andre Hunter (knee) out
Pelicans
- F Herbert Jones (shoulder) out
- G CJ McCollum (adductor) out
- G Trey Murphy III (hamstring) out
- G Dejounte Murray (hand) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Hawks at Pelicans picks and predictions
Prediction
Pelicans 123, Hawks 114
Moneyline
PASS.
Unfortunately, there’s just no value here. The Pelicans, despite being banged up, are the better side and should come out on top. The Hawks have played too poorly on the road to consider here.
Against the spread
BET PELICANS -5.5 (-105).
Simply put, the Pelicans have rewarded bettors at home, and the Hawks haven’t rewarded bettors at all. New Orleans is 2-0 ATS at home and has won both of those games by at least 7 points. The Pelicans offense has also erupted in their 2 home games, averaging 124 PPG.
Against a Hawks defense that is undersized and overall a weak unit, New Orleans should be able to shoot efficiently. The Hawks are 0-2 ATS on the road and have struggled defensively, allowing 116 or more points in every game and at least 128 in both road matches.
Considering those trends, back PELICANS +5.5 (-105).
Over/Under
BET OVER 229.5 (-115).
Both teams have consistently hit the Over this season, and the Hawks, while their defense has been awful, have thrived offensively. Atlanta, behind Young, has scored at least 115 points in 3 straight games and has topped that total in 5 of 6. It is 6-0 O/U this season.
The Pelicans are 4-2 O/U and have scored more than 120 points in both home games. It has allowed at least 111 points in 4 of 6 games. Considering those trends, back OVER 229.5 (-115).
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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