Atlanta is sixth at 3-3 after the 114-111 win over Cleveland ended the skid, and it plays at New Orleans today. Brad Rowland of Locked On Hawks reported Jock Landale available despite a nasal fracture and Zuby Ejiofor listed as doubtful after going back to the G League.
Climbing Without Playing
Onyeka Okongwu's 29 points and 12 rebounds against the Cavaliers did the heavy lifting, and the standings did the rest. Atlanta went from eighth to seventh on Friday and to sixth this morning without taking the floor. The cushion is thin: Miami holds tenth at 2-4, and the Hawks are a single game ahead of 11th. Three of the next four are on the road, at Indiana on Nov. 2 and at Washington on Nov. 4, before the Wizards come to State Farm Arena on Nov. 6 for an Emirates NBA Cup game.
Counting the Bigs
The frontcourt is the roster's pressure point. Rowland reported Landale available for New Orleans. Mouhamed Gueye stays sidelined by a left foot fracture, with a projected return of Nov. 20, and Henri Veesaar's torn right ACL keeps him out until 2027-07-01. If Ejiofor sits too, Snyder's center minutes run through Okongwu and Landale.
Where the Edge Lives
Atlanta's 4.5 net rating stands against a Pelicans team at -1.8 that will be without Yves Missi and Jordan Poole. Zion Williamson's 21.8 points and Dejounte Murray's 6.0 assists are still the problem to solve. The open question belongs to Jalen Johnson: his 8.5 assists make the offense run, but he is shooting 25.0 percent from three, and Dyson Daniels sits at 14.3. Against a team that plays at 104.9 possessions, Atlanta needs somebody besides Alexander-Walker's 40.0 percent and Aaron Wiggins' 46.2 to make defenses pay for packing the paint.
When do the Hawks play the Pelicans?
Atlanta plays at New Orleans on Oct. 31, 2026. It is the first of three straight road games, followed by Indiana on Nov. 2 and Washington on Nov. 4.
Is Jock Landale playing against the Pelicans?
Locked On Hawks' Brad Rowland reported Landale available despite a nasal fracture. Mouhamed Gueye and Henri Veesaar are out, and Zuby Ejiofor is listed as doubtful.
