Atlanta Hawks vs New Orleans Pelicans (01-07-2026) game preview: When and where to watch, expected lineup, injury report, prediction, and more

The Atlanta Hawks' victory over the visiting New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday might be worth twice as much. On Wednesday night, the Atlanta Hawks play the New Orleans Pelicans in an attempt to snap a two-game losing run. Fortunately for Atlanta, the Pelicans, who lost to the Lakers at home yesterday night, are also on an eight-game losing run.

The Hawks defeated New Orleans 115-98 in their first meeting of the season back in November. Now that the Hawks control New Orleans' unprotected first-round draft pick, a win would not only keep Atlanta in the running for the playoffs, but it would also push the Pelicans farther to the bottom of the standings, enhancing Atlanta's draft position.

Atlanta Hawks vs New Orleans Pelicans - When and where to watch the game

On January 7, 2026, the New Orleans Pelicans (8-30) will play the Atlanta Hawks (17-21) in a bid to snap a three-game road losing streak. The match will take place from State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. FDSSE, Gulf Coast Sports, and Pelicans+ will broadcast the entire match. Additionally, Fubo and Prime Videos will stream the entire thing.

Atlanta Hawks vs New Orleans Pelicans - Expected Starting Lineups

Atlanta Hawks

PG Luke Kennard
SG Dyson Daniels
SF Zaccharie Risacher
PF Jalen Johnson
C Kristaps Porzingis

New Orleans Pelicans

PG Jeremiah Fears
SG Jordan Poole
SF Micah Peavy
PF Zion Williamson
C Yves Missi

Atlanta Hawks vs New Orleans Pelicans - Injury Report

Atlanta Hawks

• N’Faly Dante- Out (Season ending surgery)
• Onyeka Okongwu- Out (Illness)
• Trae Young- Out (Quadriceps)

New Orleans Pelicans

• Jose Alvarado- Out (Left oblique soreness)
• Saddiq Bey- Out (Hip)
• Herbert Jones- Questionable (Right ankle soreness)
• Trey Murphy III- Questionable (Low back spasm)
• Dejounte Murray- Out (Achilles)

Atlanta Hawks vs New Orleans Pelicans - Game Prediction

The Pelicans' 111-103 loss against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday made them the first team in the Western Conference to drop thirty games. Since its unlikely five-game winning run in early December, New Orleans has dropped eight straight games.

By choosing Derik Queen with the 13th choice in the 2025 draft and trading his rights to the Pelicans right away, the Hawks gained an advantageous draft position. With an average of 13.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, Queen has had a successful debut campaign.

Against the Lakers, Trey Murphy III scored a career-high 42 points. After being sidelined on January 2 due to a strained back, Murphy has scored 69 points in the last two games. After losing 134-117 on Saturday and 118-110 on Monday, the Hawks were swept in a two-game series at Toronto.

Atlanta is now ranked No. 10 in the Eastern Conference, one percentage point ahead of Milwaukee, after dropping nine of its previous eleven games.


Also read: New Orleans Pelicans vs Golden State Warriors (11-16-2025) game preview: When and where to watch, expected lineup, injury report, prediction, and more