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Atlanta Hawks vs. New Orleans Pelicans: A Pre-Season Match Preview

Get ready for some exciting pre-season NBA basketball! On January 8th, 2026, at 00:30 UTC, the Atlanta Hawks will face off against the New Orleans Pelicans at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA. This game promises to be a thrilling encounter, even in the pre-season, as both teams look to test their rosters and strategies before the regular season kicks off. For those looking for NBA streams, we've got you covered with our comprehensive guide at /nba-streams.

Hawks' Home Court Advantage

The Hawks will enjoy the advantage of playing at home in the State Farm Arena, a venue known for its electric atmosphere and passionate fans. State Farm Arena has a rich history of hosting memorable NBA games, and this pre-season matchup is sure to add to that legacy. Expect a lively crowd eager to see their Hawks in action.

Hawks' Recent Form and Key Players

The Atlanta Hawks concluded their 2025 season with a mixed bag of results. Their last five games showcased both their offensive firepower and defensive vulnerabilities. They secured victories against the Brooklyn Nets (133-109), the Philadelphia 76ers (124-110), and the Orlando Magic (117-105). However, they suffered losses to the Orlando Magic (120-95) and the Miami Heat (123-114 OT). This inconsistency highlights areas where the Hawks need to improve during the pre-season.

Key players to watch for the Hawks include:

• Trae Young: The Hawks' star point guard will be crucial to their offensive success. His playmaking and scoring abilities will be key in setting the pace for the team.
• De'Andre Hunter: A consistent presence on both ends of the court, Hunter's defensive intensity and scoring contributions will be vital.
• John Collins: Collins’ inside scoring and rebounding will be important against the Pelicans' frontcourt.
• AJ Griffin: The young wing will be looking to showcase his improved all-around game.

However, the Hawks will face some injury concerns heading into the game. N'Faly Dante (ankle sprain), Eli John N'Diaye (wrist injury), Jacob Toppin (hip injury), Nikola Djurisic (hip injury), and Jalen Johnson (shoulder surgery) are all listed as day-to-day, and their availability for this game remains uncertain.

Pelicans' Struggles and Potential

The New Orleans Pelicans also ended their 2025 season on a losing streak. Their last five games were all defeats against tough opponents like the Milwaukee Bucks, the Brooklyn Nets, and the Miami Heat. This poor run of form indicates the need for substantial improvement in the pre-season.

The Pelicans' key players include:

• Zion Williamson: The Pelicans' star power forward, when healthy, is a dominant force. His performance will be crucial to their success. His day-to-day status with a back bruise is something to monitor closely.
• Brandon Ingram: Ingram is an extremely skilled forward who will look to lead the offense with his versatile scoring ability.
• CJ McCollum: McCollum is a veteran guard who provides experience and scoring prowess.
• Trey Murphy III: Murphy is a rising star who can consistently provide scoring from the wing position.

However, similar to the Hawks, the Pelicans also have injury issues. Derik Queen (wrist surgery), Yves Missi (rest), Micah Peavy (rest), Herbert Jones (shoulder surgery), and Zion Williamson (back bruise) are all listed as day-to-day, creating uncertainty surrounding their availability.

Matchup to Watch: Frontcourt Battle

A key area to watch will be the battle between the two teams' frontcourts. The Hawks' Collins and any available big men will be tested by the Pelicans' potential frontcourt of Williamson (if healthy) and other bigs. This matchup could significantly impact the game's outcome.

Intrigue and Predictions

This pre-season game is full of intrigue. Will the Hawks use this game to refine their offensive plays, given their recent success? Can the Pelicans overcome their recent losing streak and demonstrate improved team chemistry? The injuries to key players on both sides add another layer of complexity, making this matchup even harder to predict. The outcome will depend heavily on which players are available and their performance level.

While the Hawks might have a slight edge due to the home-court advantage, the Pelicans possess the potential to cause a major upset if their key players are healthy and their team plays to their potential. Ultimately, this game will serve as an important evaluation point for both teams as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming regular season.

Remember to check our guide on NBA streams at /nba-streams for options to watch this exciting pre-season clash live. Enjoy the game!