Hawks vs Pelicans preview: Next man up for Atlanta as they look for 20th straight win

The Atlanta Hawks arrive in New Orleans on Tuesday looking for their 20th straight win when they square off against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Hawks have been on a remarkable run this season and lead the Eastern Conference by seven games in the standings.

The Hawks have enjoyed some good luck in regards to injuries but come into Tuesday's game banged up at the wing position. Atlanta will be without Thabo Sefolosha for the next 6-8 weeks due to a calf injury that he suffered Friday in the win over Portland. Starting small forward DeMarre Carroll has missed the last two games with an Achilles strain. He is officially listed as questionable but seems unlikely to play on Monday. The team is also without reserve point guard Shelvin Mack who has missed the last six games with a calf strain of his own.

Kent Bazemore started in place of Carroll at small forward on Saturday and little used John Jenkins played 21 minutes off the bench. Atlanta's wing defense takes a significant hit with the loss of Carroll and Sefolosha but its a great opportunity for Bazemore and Jenkins to show that they are capable of playing bigger roles with the team.

Atlanta defeated Philadelphia 91-85 on Saturday to become the first NBA team to ever go 17-0 in a month.

The Pelicans are dealing with their own injury issues but should get a big weapon back on Monday as Anthony Davis is listed as probable to return from a groin injury. Davis took part in a full practice on Sunday and barring a setback, should be good to go on Monday. New Orleans is expected to be without starting point guard Jrue Holiday who has missed the last four games with an ankle injury.

The Pelicans enter Monday's game with a 25-22 record. They have won seven of 10 and trail Phoenix by two games for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The Hawks won the first meeting between the two clubs 100-91 back on November 28. Jeff Teague led the way for Atlanta with 26 points and seven assists. Atlanta held New Orleans to just 28 points in the first half. Davis finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds but was just 5-14 from the field.

Eric Gordon sat out the first meeting with a shoulder injury. He has since returned to the Pelicans' lineup and is averaging 12.6 points while shooting 41 percent from three-point range.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Monday, February 2, 8:00 p.m. ET

Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA

TV: NBA TV, SportSouth

Radio: 92.9 "The Game" FM