The Atlanta Hawks have a significant opportunity to achieve a double victory when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. Not only can they snap their own two-game losing streak, but a win would also carry major implications for their future draft position, thanks to a shrewd past trade.
High Stakes at State Farm Arena
This matchup is about more than just one regular-season game. The Hawks, currently holding a 17-21 record and clinging to the No. 10 spot in the Eastern Conference, desperately need a win to stay in the playoff hunt. Their opponent, the New Orleans Pelicans, are in a deep slump with an 8-30 record and are on an eight-game losing skid, having just become the first Western Conference team to lose 30 games.
The added intrigue comes from the draft pick the Hawks control. Atlanta owns New Orleans' unprotected first-round selection, a result of the trade that sent rookie Derik Queen to the Pelicans after the Hawks picked him 13th overall in the 2025 draft. Therefore, every Pelicans loss improves the potential value of that future pick for Atlanta, making Wednesday's game a potential two-for-one benefit.
Team Form and Injury Concerns
Both teams enter the contest dealing with significant injury woes. The Hawks will be without key players Trae Young (Quadriceps), Onyeka Okongwu (Illness), and N’Faly Dante (Season-ending surgery). The Pelicans' list is even longer, featuring absences like Dejounte Murray (Achilles), Jose Alvarado (Left oblique), and Saddiq Bey (Hip). Herbert Jones (Ankle) and Trey Murphy III (Back) are listed as questionable, though Murphy has been on a scoring tear recently.
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.
Game Prediction and Key Factors
The Hawks won the first meeting this season back in November 115-98 and will look to replicate that success at home. However, they have lost nine of their last eleven games and are coming off being swept in a two-game series in Toronto.
The Pelicans' main bright spot has been Trey Murphy III, who exploded for a career-high 42 points against the Lakers and has 69 points in his last two outings. Rookie Derik Queen has also been solid for New Orleans, averaging 13.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists.
Ultimately, the Hawks' motivation of combining playoff push with draft positioning, coupled with home-court advantage against a travel-weary and struggling Pelicans squad, gives them the edge. Expect Atlanta to leverage their more experienced core and secure a vital win.
When and Where to Watch: The game tips off on January 7, 2026, from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Fans in India can catch the broadcast on FDSSE, Gulf Coast Sports, and Pelicans+, or stream it via Fubo and Prime Video.
