Parlay: Atlanta Hawks VS New Orleans Pelicans 2025-11-22

Atlanta Hawks vs. New Orleans Pelicans: A Same-Game Parlay Masterclass
Where the Hawks’ Offense Meets the Pelicans’ Defensive… Well, Let’s Just Say It’s a Free-for-All

Parse the Odds: A Numbers Game of Cat and Mouse
The Atlanta Hawks (-6.5 to -7.5) are the clear favorites here, and the numbers don’t lie. They’re 17th in scoring (117.8 PPG) with a lethal trio of Jalen Johnson (22.3 PPG, 9.6 RPG), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (19.7 PPG), and a defense that’s… creative with its porousness. Meanwhile, the Pelicans (2-14) are the NBA’s version of a leaky faucet: 22nd in offense (109.3 PPG) and 24th in defense (121.8 PPG allowed). Their only saving grace? Zion Williamson, who’s averaging 28.8 PPG against the Hawks in their four matchups—though New Orleans has won just one of those.

The key stat? The Hawks’ fast-break points (6th in the league) vs. the Pelicans’ 8th-ranked offensive rebounding. It’s a recipe for chaos: Atlanta’s speed vs. New Orleans’ second-chance heroics. But here’s the rub: The Hawks’ defense is so sieve-like, they’d let a toddler with a Nerf ball score 20 points. Their last two games? A 135-point surrender to the Spurs and a 120-point leak against the Pistons. Ouch.

Digest the News: Injuries, Back-to-Backs, and Zion’s Hamster Wheel
The Hawks are missing Trae Young (knee), N’Faly Dante (knee), and have Onyeka Okongwu listed as questionable. It’s like asking a three-legged racehorse to sprint. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are missing Dejounte Murray and Jordan Poole, and Karlo Markovic is day-to-day. But the wildcard? Zion Williamson.

Zion returned from a hamstring injury last week, playing 35 minutes in back-to-back games. He’s a beast—22 points against the Mavs, 14 against the Nuggets—but can his hamstrings survive another 48-minute circus act? The Pelicans are on a franchise-tying eight-game skid, and Zion’s absence in losses has been… not great. Without him, they’re a sinking ship; with him, they’re a sinking ship with a slightly better anchor.

Humorous Spin: Why This Game Feels Like a Reality TV Show
Let’s be real: The Hawks’ defense is a group of kindergarteners trying to block a professional sprinter. They allowed 135 points to the Spurs without Victor Wembanyama and Dylan Harper? That’s like letting a toddler guard a buffet and then complaining about the empty plates.

As for the Pelicans? They’re the NBA’s version of a reality TV contestant who thinks they’re the main character. Zion is their “houseguest with the golden voice,” but the rest of the team is background noise. Their offensive rebounding is 8th in the league—great for grabbing second chances, terrible for not stopping the Hawks’ breakaway highlights.

And let’s not forget: The Hawks control New Orleans’ 2026 first-round pick. This game is part lottery strategy, part “please don’t embarrass us on national TV.”

Same-Game Parlay: The Smart (and Slightly Insane) Play
1. Atlanta Hawks -6.5 (-110)
The line is tight, but the Hawks’ offensive firepower (7th in FG%) and defensive “depth” (three centers to clog the paint vs. Derik Queen) make this spread manageable. The Pelicans’ back-to-back fatigue and injury woes? A recipe for a blowout.

2. Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 18.5 Points (-120)
NAW’s been on fire—38 points in his last game. With Trae Young out, he’s the Hawks’ offensive sparkplug. Bet on his three-point shooting (58.3% 3P%) and the Pelicans’ porous defense.

3. Trey Murphy III Over 18.5 Points (-115)
Zion’s the name, but Murphy’s been New Orleans’ unsung hero (19.9 PPG, 62.4% TS%). The Hawks’ defense can’t stop anyone, so why not ride Murphy’s consistency?

4. Over 221.5 Points (-110)
Both teams score, neither team defends. The Hawks average 117.8 PPG; the Pelicans allow 121.8. Math checks out.

Prediction: Hawks Win, but Don’t Celebrate Yet
The Hawks should win by double digits, but Zion Williamson could single-handedly keep the Pelicans relevant. If he stays healthy, this game gets weird. But given Atlanta’s offensive efficiency and New Orleans’ all-around dysfunction, take the Hawks -6.5 with NA-Walker and Murphy Over/Over.

Final score? Atlanta 122, New Orleans 110. And if Zion drops 30? Well, that’s just the NBA’s way of saying, “Surprise!” 🏀💥

Created: Nov. 23, 2025, 12:30 a.m. GMT