How do two struggling rosters cope with absences in this Southeast Division clash?

This matchup at State Farm Arena carries more intrigue than a typical mid‑January game because both the New Orleans Pelicans and Atlanta Hawks are navigating significant absences while battling for traction in vastly different ways. New Orleans has slipped to the bottom of the Western Conference and is looking to end a lengthy losing streak, while Atlanta sits on the fringes of the play‑in picture, attempting to stabilize a season marked by inconsistency. With marquee names like Trae Young and Dejounte Murray ticked off the injury report — and, in Young’s case, recent trade buzz swirling — local outlets are zeroed in on how timetable uncertainty could influence usage patterns for both coaches. Tactical adaptations on both ends, especially perimeter defense and paint scoring, are likely to shape how these depleted units perform tonight.

official injury report

New Orleans Pelicans
long‑term injuries	Dejounte Murray	Achilles (out for season)
out / ruled out	Jose Alvarado	left oblique soreness (out)
out / ruled out	Saddiq Bey	hip flexor strain (out)
questionable	Herbert Jones	right ankle soreness
questionable	Trey Murphy III	low back spasm

Atlanta Hawks
long‑term injuries	N’Faly Dante	knee (season‑ending)
out / ruled out	Onyeka Okongwu	illness (out)
questionable	Trae Young	quadricep contusion

projected lineups & key contributors

Pelicans Projected Starters
PG	Jordan Poole
SG	Zion Williamson
SF	Trey Murphy III (if active)
PF	Derik Queen
C	Yves Missi

Hawks Projected Starters
PG	Nickeil Alexander‑Walker
SG	Zaccharie Risacher
SF	Jalen Johnson
PF	Kristaps Porziņģis
C	Mouhamed Gueye

key tactical & narrative angles

The Pelicans’ lineup construction hinges on explosive scoring from Jordan Poole and interior physicality from Zion Williamson, especially with Murray unavailable and Bey out.
Atlanta’s backcourt balance shifts with Young’s uncertain status, placing added offensive load on Alexander‑Walker and Risacher to create spacing and tempo advantage early.
On the glass, the Pelicans’ ability to convert offensive rebounds into second‑chance points could serve as a counterpunch to the Hawks’ transition pressure.
Defensively, Atlanta must navigate Poole’s pull‑up threats while limiting deep cuts and post usage by Zion, who remains New Orleans’ central two‑way fulcrum.
The broader backdrop of roster churn and trade discussions — particularly around Young’s future — adds a psychological subplot that could affect early rotations and risk management.