Who: New Orleans Pelicans vs Atlanta Hawks
When: Monday, Oct. 7; 4:30 p.m. PST; State Farm Arena
Where: NBA TV
The New Orleans Pelicans will ring in a new era on Monday, when they take on the Atlanta Hawks for their first preseason game. The Pelicans went 0-2 against the Hawks last season, but with a much different roster than they have now.
This year, the Pelicans will have both Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday to contain Trae Young, who averaged 21.5 points and 11 assists through two games against New Orleans last season. In their last matchup, Young went off for 33 points and dished out 12 assists.
The Pelicans also have two new, exciting young forwards in Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. Spacing might be an issue in the halfcourt with Ingram, a career 32.9 percent 3-point shooter, but they promise to be a threat in transition.
The Hawks will hope to counter the Pelicans’ length and athleticism with their own forward depth, which features rookies Cam Reddish and DeAndre Hunter, as well as Jabari Parker and John Collins. Chandler Parsons and Evan Turner may also get some burn in the preseason.
The game itself doesn’t mean anything in the wins and losses column, but it’s an opportunity for head coach Alvin Gentry to see what he has in his team and an up-and-coming team like the Hawks is the perfect test for the young Pelicans.
