Atlanta has made some strides this year but have ultimately fell short of the postseason. The Hawks have a talented roster and a bright future and have gone 4-6 over their last 10 which includes a two game win streak. Atlanta’s opponent in the March 26th NBA free pick is New Orleans, who has lost 8 of their last 9 contests. The Pelicans are -1 favorites in this contest regardless.
Hawks at Odds on the Road Tuesday?
Atlanta has had a pretty solid run as of late, but 7 of their last 9 games have been at home. The Hawks are just 11-26 away from their own court this season, but they are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 on the road. Atlanta is playing some solid basketball coming into this contest, having posted back-to-back wins over Philadelphia and Utah. Overall Atlanta has gone 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games, seemingly finding their stride as the postseason got more out of reach.
It’s hard to pinpoint how Atlanta is going to game plan for the March 26th NBA free pick. The Hawks lead the NBA in pace while New Orleans is 5th suggesting a very high scoring game. Tuesday’s O/U is listed at 240. This would point to a very big night from Trae Young, who has double digit assists in three straight games and just scored 32 vs. Philadelphia on Saturday. The Hawks have broken 120+ points in 4 of their last 7, but have also been held to a 91 and 105 point scoring night over that span.
New Orleans Battling Injuries In This One
It’s somewhat surprising that the Pelicans are -1 favorites in the March 26th NBA free pick considering their injury statuses for Tuesday’s contest. Anthony Davis is probable with a backbut has been on a minutes restriction anyways. With Jrue Holiday and E’Twaun Moore already sidelined, the big loss for Tuesday’s game would be Elfrid Payton who has a right wrist contusion but is listed as probable. Payton had a run of five straight triple-doubles, but has been silenced tremendously the last two games (5.5 pts, 5 ast).
Another reason the Pelicans are a strange favorite on Tuesday is because of their play lately. New Orleans has run a defense optional strategy recently, giving up at least 120 points in 6 of the last 8. It’s probably no surprise that the Pelicans have won just one game in their last 9 with that type of run. To boot the New Orleans offense has looked bad in the past two, scoring 90 and 95 points.
March 26th NBA Free Pick Betting
A late update sees the spread in this one shift to Atlanta being -2 favorites now. Nearly 70% of the public is on the Hawks which isn’t ideal. The Pelicans still have a talented roster that features Julius Randle and Payton will likely play as he’s probable. Young shot just 2-14 the last time Atlanta played the Pelicans and it’s looking like going on the road is going to be Atlanta’s downfall in this one.
NBA Free Pick: New Orleans Hornets +2
