New Orleans Pelicans vs Atlanta Hawks - NBA prediction

Details:

The Pelicans and the Hawks are having totally different start of the season.

The Pels are 1-3 and their star player Zion Williamson is still out due to injury.

After three consecutive losses to Philadelphia, Chicago and Minnesota, the Pelicans finally won in the rematch against the Timberwolves. 

In the 107-98 win, Brandon Ingram was the top scorer with 27 points which is his season average. Jonas Valanciunas had a terrific with 22 points and 23 rebounds.

A great addition to the team is Devonte Graham who is the second-best scorer so far this season with 17.8 points on average and the Pelicans would need a great night from him to stand any chances against the Hawks.

Last season's Eastern Conference finalist is having a good start of the season with a 2-1 record, surprisingly losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers.  

In their last game, Atlanta won against Detroit 122-104 with Trae Young leading the way with 32 points and 8 assists.

The star point guard is averaging 25 points and 10 assists this season which is expected of him but a pleasant surprise is Cam Reddish who has shown major improvement this season averaging 18.7 points so far.

Key facts

• The Hawks have won six of the last seven games against the Pelicans
• The Pelicans games this season have seen an average of 211 points while the Hawks only 207
• The last five head-to-heads have seen an average of 229 points, with the highest being at 250

Prediction:

A total of 219.5 set for this game seems pretty high if we see the scores of the Pelicans and Hawks from the opening week of the season, but if we see their previous matchups, this one will definitely go over. Both teams are playing 'run and gun' basketball with Ingram and Young being able to go over 35 on any given night. The Hawks have great three-point shooters in Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Kevin Huerter who will take advantage of the weak Pelicans' defense.

Best Bet

Atlanta Hawks -6.5 and total over 220.5

3.60

Bet Now