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With the New York Knicks hot on their trail, the Atlanta Hawks have effectively turned their season around with 5 straight victories and will be well rested when the Pelicans come to town Friday night. Even though they're out of the playoff race, New Orleans has played well lately and will look to continue to build moving forward towards next year.

Atlanta was on one of the biggest free falls in the NBA to start February as they eventually went on to lose 14 of 15 games. Because of the poor play in the East the Hawks always maintained in the conference playoff race though. Atlanta has since won 5 straight games although it should be noted they're only 2-3 ATS during the run. The Hawks will have two full days of rest before the Friday tilt goes down.

New Orleans has surprised a lot of people by actually coming to play recently, notching victories in 4 of their last 6. Prior to their miniature run the Pelicans had lost 8 straight games and looked like they were going to phone it in to end 2014. Granted New Orleans' 4 wins have come against non-playoff teams but victory is no sure thing in the NBA.

New Orleans was able to get a 105-100 victory on February 5th on Atlanta's 2nd loss of what would be 8 straight. The Pelicans were actually 2.5 point favorites and used a 34-25 fourth quarter to pull away for the straight up and against the spread win. Paul Millsap (26 points) and DeMarre Carroll (22) led five Atlanta players in double figures and helped to push the 202.5 total over.

ATS Trends

New Orleans is 12-19-3 ATS on the road this season

New Orleans is 16-18-0 against the over/under on the road this season

Atlanta is 17-14-0 ATS at home this season

Atlanta is 17-14-0 against the over/under at home this season

Injuries to Watch

New Orleans 

02/18/14 G Jrue Holiday Leg out for season
01/19/14 F Jason Smith Knee out for season
01/07/14 F Ryan Anderson Stinger out indefinitely

Atlanta 

12/31/13 G John Jenkins Back out for season
12/27/13 C Al Horford Shoulder out for season
03/18/14 G Dennis Schroder Ankle questionable
02/21/14 F Gustavo Ayon Shoulder out for season

Tony's Pick: Take New Orleans

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