The New Orleans Pelicans have lost eight straight games and now visit the struggling Atlanta Hawks in hopes of ending the streak.
When Trae Young returned, the season fell apart for the Hawks. They now sit at 17-21 after going 2-9 in their last 11 games. Atlanta took the first meeting of these teams back in November, but that was before Zion Williamson returned.
Here is a quick rundown of important information to know before the game tips off on Wednesday:
When is New Orleans Pelicans at Atlanta Hawks?
Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM CT
Location: State Farm Arena (Atlanta, GA)
How to Watch New Orleans Pelicans at Atlanta Hawks
Streaming: Pelicans+, NBA League Pass, NBA TV
TV Channel: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Local Radio: WWL 870 AM
New Orleans Pelicans at Atlanta Hawks Betting Lines
Moneyline: ATL -425
Spread: ATL -10.5
Over/Under: 246.5
New Orleans Pelicans at Atlanta Hawks Injury Updates
The Pelicans take one step forward only to take two steps back with their injury luck. Herb Jones returned to the lineup for Tuesday's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, but is back to questionable with ankle soreness. It's not too surprising to see him not ready for a back-to-back yet, but he's not the only change in the report.
Trey Murphy is now listed as questionable with lower back spasms. That's the issue that caused him to miss two games back in November and last Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Jose Alvarado has been listed as out with oblique soreness. Saddiq Bey, Dejounte Murray and Hunter Dickinson remain out.
The Hawks are in a much easier injury situation, but are still without a handful of players. Trae Young was listed as out with a quad issue, but his recent trade drama is also likely playing into it. N'Faly Dante is out with a torn ACL. Onyeka Okongwu is questionable with an illness. Rayj Dennis, Nikola Djurisic, Caleb Houstan and Malik Williams are all out with G League designations.
Key To Victory for New Orleans Pelicans at Atlanta Hawks
Dominate the Paint.
When New Orleans went on their win streak, they were running elite offense through the paint. The Toronto Raptors just beat the Atlanta Hawks back-to-back and won that area in both games. The first win was 60-46 in the paint and the second was 64-44.
If Okongwu misses this game, the paint will open up even more. Derik Queen has had this game circled on his calendar since the last meeting and he will have to have a massive impact in the Pelicans want to win.