Atlanta Hawks vs New Orleans Pelicans Player Prop Picks 12-2-24 Picks

Atlanta Hawks vs New Orleans Pelicans Player Prop Picks 12-2-24

The New Orleans Pelicans face off against the Atlanta Hawks on December 2, 2024, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The Pelicans are looking to end a rough patch, having lost 15 consecutive games, while the Hawks are riding momentum after recent back-to-back wins against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Charlotte Hornets.

Key players to watch include CJ McCollum and Dejontue Murray for the Pelicans. Brandon Ingram is questionable for this game. For the Hawks, Trae Young is the centerpiece, with 22.6 points and an impressive 11.6 assists per game, leading their offense. Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson also provides versatility with nearly 10 rebounds and 5.4 assists per contest​

Statistically, the Hawks hold an edge offensively, scoring 116.1 points per game compared to the Pelicans’ 104.6. Defensively, both teams have room for improvement, with Atlanta allowing 119.5 points and New Orleans 113.3 per game. Atlanta’s superior shooting efficiency (46.7% FG) and rebounding could prove pivotal in this matchup.

Trae Young Over 11.5 Assists

Trae Young is excelling as a playmaker so far this season, averaging an impressive 12.4 assists per game, making him a pivotal component of the Atlanta Hawks’ offense. Alongside his passing prowess, Young is scoring 21.7 points per game across 19 appearances, playing 36.0 minutes per game. Notable performances include a stunning 22-assist game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 27, 2024, and a 19-assist effort against the Sacramento Kings on November 18, 2024. His consistent double-digit assists highlight his elite court vision and ability to orchestrate the Hawks’ offense effectively.

This matchup lines up well for Trae Young to have a big night in the assist collum. The Pelicans are giving up 28.5 assists per game to opposing teams which is the 3rd most in the league. Young is coming off a game where he only had 5 assists against the Hornets. I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw Trae Young have one of those massive 15+ assist games like he’s done throughout this season. 

Dejounte Murray Over 18.5 Points

Since joining the New Orleans Pelicans for the 2024-25 season, Dejounte Murray has been averaging approximately 16.3 points per game through 3 games. He is shooting 41.8% from the field and 31.2% from three-point range, contributing as a balanced scorer and secondary playmaker. His role on the team includes creating opportunities and maintaining offensive flow, Murray has quickly established himself as a key piece in the Pelicans’ backcourt.

Murray is coming off a slow night against the Knicks where he only had 10 points but that was a tough matchup. Now he gets matched up with this Hawks team that has struggled on the defensive side of the ball and as well as they play at a fast pace which is the opposite of the Knicks. Also, let’s not forget the Hawks are Murray’s old team. I expect him to have some extra motivation returning to Atlanta for the first time. 

Jalen Johnson Over 18.5 Points

Jalen Johnson has shown significant growth in the 2024-25 NBA season as a primary scoring option for the Atlanta Hawks. He is averaging 20.1 points per game while shooting an efficient 50.2% from the field. His three-point shooting stands at 37.2%, making him a consistent threat from beyond the arc, with about 1.8 three-pointers made per game. He has also displayed versatility by averaging 9.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, contributing to multiple facets of the Hawks’ offense. His effective field goal percentage of 58.2% highlights his ability to score efficiently, both inside and outside the paint.

Jalen Johnson has been a pleasant surprise this season. He’s scored 20+ points in 4 straight games and has been this Hawks team’s most consistent scorer. Jalen Johnson’s scoring has been directly correlated with when the Hawks are successful as a team. This is one of his more favorable matchups as of late with the Pelicans struggling on defense.