The New Orleans Pelicans and Atlanta Hawks meet Saturday in NBA preseason action at the Gateway Center. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview 

The New Orleans Pelicans are still looking for their first preseason win after losses to the Magic and Rockets. The New Orleans Pelicans have lost 6 of their last 11 preseason games. The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 96 points on 39.9 percent shooting and allowing 121 points on 47.6 percent shooting. CJ McCollum is averaging 14.5 points and 1.5 rebounds, while Brandon Ingram is averaging 12 points and 4.5 rebounds. Dyson Daniels is the third double-digit scorer and Jordan Hawkins is grabbing 2 rebounds. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 29.6 percent from beyond the arc and 65.9 percent from the free throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 34.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 45 rebounds per game.

Atlanta Hawks Betting Preview 

The Hawks look for a 3-0 preseason start after beating the Cavs and Grizzlies. The Hawks have won 6 of their last 8 preseason games. The Atlanta Hawks are averaging 105.5 points on 43.8 percent shooting and allowing 104.5 points on 43.8 percent shooting. Trae Young is averaging 16 points and 2 rebounds, while Onyeka Okongwu is averaging 12 points and 2 rebounds. Jalen Johnson is the third double-digit scorer, and Kobe Bufkin is grabbing 3.5 rebounds. The Atlanta Hawks are shooting 33.7 percent from beyond the arc and 78.4 percent from the free throw line. The Atlanta Hawks are allowing 28.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 45.5 rebounds per game.

Randy’s Pick

Things can change quickly in the preseason due to constant roster changes, but the New Orleans Pelicans are arguably the worst team in the preseason through two games. At the very least, they are offensively where they’re shooting under 40 percent from the field and averaging 96 points, which is the lowest total in the league. The Jazz are next, but they’re averaging 99.5 points, so there’s quite a gap. The Hawks have won 6 of their last 8 preseason games, and they’re capable of shooting even better than they have. I’ll lay the bucket with the Hawks at home.