Hawks' ball security meets Pelicans defense allowing 56.6% shooting

The Atlanta Hawks (3-3), with the league's third-lowest turnover rate, visit the New Orleans Pelicans (1-4), whose defense allows some of the easiest shooting around, on Saturday, October 31 at 7:00 PM ET.

The Hawks turn the ball over on 11.4% of their possessions, third best in the league, and rank eighth in offensive rating at 113.9. New Orleans allows an effective field goal percentage of 56.6, 26th of 30 teams, so Atlanta should get clean looks on most trips.

The Pelicans answer at the other end. They draw free throws at the fourth-highest rate in the league (0.334) and play at the second-fastest pace, 105.8. Atlanta's defense allows free throws at a middling rate, 18th in the league.

Jalen Johnson gives the Hawks 9.3 rebounds and 8.5 assists a game. Nickeil Alexander-Walker leads the team with 20.5 points, and Dyson Daniels averages three steals.

For New Orleans, Zion Williamson scores 21.8 points on 63.6% shooting and averages 3.2 steals. Derik Queen grabs 7.8 rebounds.

New Orleans is without Yves Missi, who averages 2.0 blocks and is out until Sunday, November 8. Jordan Poole is also out, with a return listed for Monday, November 2. Two more Pelicans are questionable.

Mouhamed Gueye and Henri Veesaar are out for Atlanta. Keshon Gilbert, Jalen Wilson, RayJ Dennis and Zuby Ejiofor are doubtful, which thins the Hawks' bench guards and forwards.

The Hawks won 114-111 against Cleveland in their last game after losing three of the previous four. The Pelicans beat Sacramento 132-120 for their only win and have lost four others, two by three points or fewer.

Sportsbooks' prices give Atlanta a 60.8% chance to win. Keel's projection, built from the players available, puts the Hawks at 56.4%.