NBA · Final

Pelicans Dominate Hawks in Convincing Victory

121

Saturday, October 31, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Smoothie King Center

New Orleans Pelicans 121, Atlanta Hawks 99, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Atlanta Hawks vs New Orleans Pelicans?

New Orleans Pelicans beat Atlanta Hawks 121-99 at Smoothie King Center on October 31, 2026.

Who was favored in Atlanta Hawks vs New Orleans Pelicans?

Atlanta Hawks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -198 (about 66% implied). The underdog won.

The New Orleans Pelicans secured a decisive victory over the Atlanta Hawks, winning 121 to 99 at the Smoothie King Center. This game marked the Pelicans' second win of the season, improving their record to 3-4, while the Hawks fell to 3-5. The Pelicans now lead the season series 1-0 against the Hawks, having previously lost both encounters earlier in the season.

In terms of recent form, the Pelicans entered this game with a record of 2-8 over their last ten games, but they were riding a wave of momentum following a win against the Sacramento Kings just a day prior. In that game, they scored 132 points while allowing 120, showcasing their offensive capabilities. On average, the Pelicans have scored 121.8 points per game over their last ten outings, but they have also allowed 125.0 points, indicating a struggle defensively. Their home record stands at 2-3, while they have yet to win away, holding an 0-5 record on the road.

The Hawks, on the other hand, had a record of 4-6 in their last ten games before this matchup. They also came off a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where they triumphed 114-111. The Hawks have averaged 117.7 points scored and 116.2 points allowed in their last ten games. Their away record was 2-3, which reflects a balanced performance on the road compared to their home games.

In terms of injuries, the Pelicans faced significant challenges with three key players sidelined: Dejounte Murray (personal reasons), Yves Missi (knee), and Jordan Poole (ankle). The Hawks also dealt with injuries, including Jock Landale (hip), Mouhamed Gueye (foot), and Henri Veesaar (knee), while Jalen Johnson was listed as day-to-day with an ankle issue.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Hawks favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 239.5 points for the game. The odds indicated a strong belief in the Hawks' ability to perform, but the Pelicans' home advantage and recent performance turned the tide in their favor.

The game conditions were typical for a late October matchup, with both teams aiming to establish their rhythm early. The Pelicans took control of the game, especially in the fourth quarter, where they outscored the Hawks significantly. Notable scoring plays included a 26-foot three-point jumper by Trey Murphy III and a series of layups and dunks that showcased the Pelicans' offensive depth.

As the game progressed, the Pelicans demonstrated their ability to capitalize on the Hawks' defensive lapses, with a series of successful shots that extended their lead. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Pelicans had firmly established their dominance, leaving the Hawks to regroup for their next challenge.

Overall, this game highlighted the Pelicans' potential to bounce back from a rocky start to the season, while the Hawks will need to reassess their strategy moving forward, especially with their injury concerns.

What we said beforehand

The New Orleans Pelicans will face off against the Atlanta Hawks in an intriguing NBA matchup on October 31, 2026, at the Smoothie King Center. This game marks the beginning of their series, with the Pelicans looking to improve their home record against a Hawks team that has shown some resilience on the road.

The Pelicans enter this game with a home record of 1-4 and a recent streak of one win and four losses. Their most recent game resulted in a victory against the Sacramento Kings, where they won 132-120. Prior to that, they faced a tough stretch, losing to the Indiana Pacers (123-120), Utah Jazz (120-119), and the Denver Nuggets twice, first in overtime (141-135) and then by a score of 104-91. In their last five games, the Pelicans have averaged 119.4 points scored while allowing 121.6 points.

In contrast, the Hawks come into this matchup with a 3-3 away record. They recently secured a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers (114-111) after a series of losses to the Miami Heat (129-117) and the Houston Rockets (both 121-114 and 120-110). The Hawks have averaged 116.6 points in their last five games, while allowing 112.4 points, showcasing a more balanced performance compared to the Pelicans.

Historically, the Pelicans have struggled against the Hawks, losing both of their previous meetings this season. The most recent encounter was on January 8, 2026, where the Pelicans lost 100-117, and earlier in the season, they were defeated 98-115 at home on November 23, 2025.

In terms of injuries, the Pelicans will be missing Dejounte Murray (personal), Yves Missi (knee), and Jordan Poole (ankle). The Hawks will also be without Mouhamed Gueye (foot) and Henri Veesaar (knee). These absences could significantly impact both teams' strategies and on-court dynamics.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, has set the odds with the Hawks favored by 5.5 points, and the total points over/under is set at 239.5. The moneyline odds are +164 for the Pelicans and -198 for the Hawks, indicating a slight preference for the visiting team.

As the game approaches, viewers should watch for standout performances from players like Zion Williamson, who leads the Pelicans in scoring with an average of 21.8 points per game, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the leading scorer for the Hawks at 20.5 points per game. The assists category is led by Jalen Johnson for the Hawks with 8.5, while the Pelicans' assists leader is currently out. Rebounding will also be crucial, with Derik Queen averaging 7.8 rebounds for New Orleans and Jalen Johnson averaging 9.3 for Atlanta.

This matchup promises to be a compelling contest as both teams look to establish momentum early in the season, with the Pelicans seeking redemption at home and the Hawks aiming to build on their recent success.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	ATL -5.5	239.5 o -108 / u -112	Atlanta Hawks -198 · New Orleans Pelicans +164

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Dejounte MurrayOutPersonalNew Orleans Pelicans
Yves MissiOutKneeNew Orleans Pelicans
Jordan PooleOutAnkleNew Orleans Pelicans
Jalen JohnsonDay-To-DayAnkleAtlanta Hawks
Jock LandaleOutHipAtlanta Hawks
Mouhamed GueyeOutFootAtlanta Hawks
Henri VeesaarOutKneeAtlanta Hawks

Leaders

PointsSaddiq Bey25New Orleans Pelicans
AssistsJeremiah Fears7New Orleans Pelicans
ReboundsKarlo Matkovic10New Orleans Pelicans
PointsCJ McCollum14Atlanta Hawks
AssistsKingston Flemings6Atlanta Hawks
ReboundsOnyeka Okongwu10Atlanta Hawks

Recent form

New Orleans Pelicans

Last 10: 2-8Streak W1121.8 scored · 125 allowed per game2-3 at home

W132-120vs Sacramento KingsOct 30
L91-104vs Denver NuggetsOct 29
L135-141at Denver NuggetsOct 25
L119-120at Utah JazzOct 24
L120-123vs Indiana PacersOct 22
L126-132at Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 13
L118-144at Boston CelticsApr 10
W156-137vs Utah JazzApr 8
L108-112vs Orlando MagicApr 5
L113-117at Sacramento KingsApr 4

Atlanta Hawks

Last 10: 4-6Streak W1117.7 scored · 116.2 allowed per game2-3 away

W114-111vs Cleveland CavaliersOct 30
L117-129vs Miami HeatOct 28
L110-120at Houston RocketsOct 27
L114-121vs Houston RocketsOct 25
W128-81at Charlotte HornetsOct 23
W132-125at Orlando MagicOct 21
L117-143at Miami HeatApr 12
W124-102vs Cleveland CavaliersApr 10
L116-122at Cleveland CavaliersApr 8
L105-108vs New York KnicksApr 6

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Washington	-	3	W1	.500	3
Atlanta	0.5	4	L1	.429	3
Charlotte	0.5	4	L3	.429	3
Orlando	0.5	3	W1	.400	2
Miami	1	4	W2	.333	2
Memphis	-	0	W5	1.000	5
Houston	0.5	1	L1	.833	5
Dallas	1.5	2	W3	.667	4
San Antonio	2	2	W3	.600	3
New Orleans	3.5	4	W2	.333	2

Box score

Stat	Atlanta Hawks	New Orleans Pelicans
Field goals	35-91	43-76
Field goal %	38	57
Three-pointers	8-46	7-17
Three-point %	17	41
Free throws	21-23	28-35
Free throw %	91	80
Rebounds	36	49
Offensive rebounds	14	10
Defensive rebounds	22	39
Assists	20	27
Steals	11	15
Blocks	4	4
Turnovers	19	23
Team turnovers	0	2
Technical fouls	1	1
Technical fouls, total	1	1
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	34	32
Fast-break points	18	19
Points in the paint	52	66
Fouls	21	21
Largest lead	2	28
Lead changes	1	1
Time in front	2	96

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter68-83Asa Newell makes dunk (Jalen Johnson assists)
3rd Quarter68-85Jeremiah Fears makes 1-foot reverse layup (Derik Queen assists)
3rd Quarter68-87Saddiq Bey makes 2-foot layup (Derik Queen assists)
3rd Quarter71-87Jalen Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Asa Newell assists)
3rd Quarter73-87Kingston Flemings makes running layup (Jalen Johnson assists)
3rd Quarter74-87Kingston Flemings makes free throw 1 of 1
3rd Quarter74-89Saddiq Bey makes 13-foot fade away jump shot
3rd Quarter74-91Saddiq Bey makes driving layup (Bennedict Mathurin assists)
3rd Quarter74-92Trendon Watford makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter74-94Trendon Watford makes driving layup
4th Quarter74-96Bennedict Mathurin makes driving layup (Derik Queen assists)
4th Quarter76-96Luguentz Dort makes running layup (Kingston Flemings assists)
4th Quarter78-96Asa Newell makes tip shot
4th Quarter79-96Kingston Flemings makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter80-96Kingston Flemings makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter80-98Herbert Jones makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot (Saddiq Bey assists)
4th Quarter83-98Kingston Flemings makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot (Aaron Wiggins assists)
4th Quarter83-100Saddiq Bey makes 10-foot step back jumpshot
4th Quarter83-101Trendon Watford makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter83-102Trendon Watford makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter83-103Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter83-104Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter85-104Onyeka Okongwu makes two point shot
4th Quarter86-104Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter87-104Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter87-106Karlo Matkovic makes tip shot
4th Quarter87-108Zion Williamson makes tip shot
4th Quarter88-108Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter89-108Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter89-111Jeremiah Fears makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
4th Quarter91-111Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
4th Quarter91-114Karlo Matkovic makes 24-foot three point jumper (Zion Williamson assists)
4th Quarter93-114Kingston Flemings makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
4th Quarter93-117Trey Murphy III makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jeremiah Fears assists)
4th Quarter93-119Trey Murphy III makes 1-foot dunk (Zion Williamson assists)
4th Quarter93-121Julian Reese makes tip shot
4th Quarter95-121Aaron Wiggins makes 5-foot turnaround jump shot (Corey Kispert assists)
4th Quarter96-121Asa Newell makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter97-121Asa Newell makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter99-121Asa Newell makes running layup (Dyson Daniels assists)