Atlanta Hawks vs New Orleans Pelicans Picks and Predictions for Saturday October 31 2026
New Orleans finally won a basketball game Thursday night. Put up 132 against Sacramento, got the crowd going, and probably felt pretty good walking off the floor.
One problem. The Pelicans still gave up 120.
That’s what keeps me from buying into a New Orleans turnaround just yet. Atlanta isn’t exactly a defensive powerhouse, but the Hawks move the ball better, shoot the three better, and have already shown they can score against bad defenses.
Atlanta visits Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Saturday, October 31, with tipoff at 7 PM ET. I couldn’t confirm a current sportsbook spread or total, so the selections below are straight-up and target-line picks. I like Atlanta to win, and I’m expecting a fairly high-scoring game. Get ready for all of the NBA action with our free NBA picks.
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Atlanta Hawks Need to Make Their Defense Count
Atlanta is 3-3, including 2-1 away from home. The Hawks beat Cleveland 114-111 Thursday after losing three straight to Miami and Houston. That was an important win. You don’t want to spend the first two weeks of the season digging yourself a hole, especially in the Eastern Conference.
The Hawks are scoring 120.2 points a game and allowing 114.5. They’ve been shooting nearly 47 percent overall and about 35 percent from three. The number I really like is 32.2 assists a game. That’s a team sharing the basketball. Against New Orleans, which has been giving up more than 120 a night, Atlanta should get plenty of opportunities. The Hawks also average 10.2 steals, and that could be a problem for a Pelicans team turning the ball over nearly 17 times a game.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been one of Atlanta’s important offensive contributors, giving the Hawks another option when the first action breaks down. The team has also been getting production from several spots rather than depending entirely on one scorer. Mouhamed Gueye is out with a foot injury, and Henri Veesaar is sidelined for the season with a knee injury. That hurts the frontcourt depth. But against a New Orleans team missing Yves Missi, I don’t think Atlanta is at a major disadvantage inside.
New Orleans Pelicans Finally Got a Win
New Orleans is 1-4, with its only victory coming Thursday against Sacramento. The Pelicans won 132-120, and after four straight losses, they’ll take it. But look at the previous results. They gave up 123 to Indiana, 120 to Utah and 141 to Denver. That’s a lot of points. Even in the win, Sacramento reached 120.
The Pelicans are scoring 116.3 points per game and allowing 121.6. They shoot about 46.5 percent overall, but only 29 percent from three. That’s a problem against Atlanta because the Hawks can spread the floor and make opponents chase shooters. New Orleans also averages just 23.5 assists, almost nine fewer than Atlanta. The Pelicans can score in bunches, but their offense hasn’t been as consistent from possession to possession.
Jordan Poole has been dealing with an ankle injury, while Dejounte Murray’s availability is uncertain for personal reasons. Yves Missi remains out with a knee problem. Those absences matter because New Orleans needs more reliable ballhandling and interior defense. The Pelicans got enough offense Thursday to overcome their mistakes. I’m not convinced they can keep doing that.
Atlanta Hawks vs New Orleans Pelicans Picks and Predictions
Atlanta Hawks Moneyline
I’m taking Atlanta. New Orleans can score, and Thursday showed what happens when the Pelicans get comfortable offensively. That’s the danger. But the Hawks are better at moving the ball, they’re shooting better from three, and New Orleans hasn’t been stopping anybody. Atlanta just beat Cleveland, so the Hawks should have some confidence too. I don’t expect a defensive masterpiece from either side. I just trust Atlanta to get better shots when the game gets tight.
Over 224.5 Points — Target Total
I’ll look Over 224.5 if that number is available. Atlanta averages more than 120 points, and New Orleans allows more than 121. The Pelicans just played a 252-point game against Sacramento. That doesn’t mean every game is going to turn into a shootout, but the defensive numbers aren’t encouraging. The biggest risk is New Orleans going cold from three, because the Pelicans have been shooting only 29 percent out there. Still, I think Atlanta gets into the 120s and New Orleans does enough to help. Something like 123-115 Hawks works for me.
Final Picks: Atlanta Hawks Moneyline and Over 224.5 Points (target total)
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