New Orleans Pelicans face a daunting task as they take on Atlanta Hawks, who has been one of the best teams in the NBA this season.
The Hawks lead the Eastern Conference, while the Pelicans are fighting for a playoff spot, as they have a 25-22 win loss record in the Western Conference.
Atlanta Hawks are in a dream run, where they have not lost in their last 19 games, which is a huge feat considering the competition in the league, which is top notch.
The Hawks with their prolific run have been breaking records, as they also became the first team to win 17 games on the trot in a single month.
Pelicans do not have a great record as compared to the Hawks, but they have won seven out of the last ten games.
Be it their home record or on the road, the Hawks have been dominating teams. At home, they enjoy a 23-3 record and are 17-5 on the road.
So, when Hawks travel to New Orleans, they will want to make it their 20th consecutive win along with being an 18th away win as well.
Despite Hawks' record of late, Pelicans will try to create an upset after defeating Clippers in their last game, 108-103.
All Star center Al Horford has been a key player for the Hawks. Horford knows that he needs to be on top of his game if they are maintain their unbeaten run with some important players such as Thabo Sefolosha, DeMarre Carroll and Shelvin Mack injured.
But, Horford is confident that they have good depth in the squad to replace the players.
"We're confident in one to 15 here," Horford said, as was quoted by AP. "Guys really put in the time. Guys work every day.
"They just don't get the opportunity because were so deep. We have guys who can play. It's just the way it is with this team."
For the Pelicans, Anthony Davis injured his groin two days ago, and is not sure about his participation in the game, which could prove to be a huge blow.
The Pelicans needs to break Hawk's rhythm, feels Pelicans coach Monty Williams.
"You've got to break their rhythm," Williams told the league's official website. "We scored 28 points in the first half [at Atlanta in November], couldn't make a shot, didn't execute well.
"They had a rhythm the whole game. You've got to figure out ways to break rhythm and try as best you can to deal with how they pass and cut.
"They have so many bigs who can do multiple things, whether it's shooting or passing or dribbling or driving the ball, it's a different dynamic."
Where to Watch Live
The game is scheduled for 8pm ET (6:30am IST, 1 am GMT) start with Live TV coverage on NBA TV in the US. The game will also be shown live in India on Sony Six, with the live streaming option on livsports.
The game can be watched via live streaming online by audience across the world on NBA.com.
