Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction: Pels likely to avenge their loss

NBA is on and this has been another tough betting scenario. Teams fall like dominos and rise like a phoenix so we the prediction makers are in for another real challenge as no bet is safe, hence, this is going to be another long season for all of those involved. Anyway, an analysis can still clear the picture. How will the analysis fall in place when the Utah Jazz takes on the New Orleans Pelicans?

The Jazz marches into this affair loading an impressive 121:100 win against the New Orleans Pelicans as Malik Beasley’s 21 points performance off-the-bench sealed the deal. The win broke a two-game losing streak and the Jazz are having a tough time. Still, they are two games above the 50% win mark, having won 16 and lost 14. They began the season with 10 wins and three losses, so they have fallen quite a bit.

Lauri Markkanen has averaged over 20 points and over 8 rebounds but his level has gone down a bit, although, this still remains the best season of his career thus far. One major reason why the Jazz still has a winning record is the guard rotations. Jordan Clarkson is averaging close to 20 points. Malik Beasley and the injured Colin Sexton have averaged around 14 points while Mike Conley has led the playmaking end again.

As mentioned above, the Pelicans lost 100:121 against the Jazz in their last battle despite 26 points outing by Zion Williamson. This loss broke a seven-game winning streak where six of the games were won at home and the one away loss was against the struggling Spurs. The Pelicans have 18 wins and nine losses, which is a brilliant start and the major reason for that has been Zion Williamson’s availability.

Williamson has been in the 26-30 points range lately and has caused huge defensive disruptions while also acting as a strong playmaker. One big concern has been the injury to Brandon Ingram, whom the team will need ultimately, especially in the away from home scenarios,. One other concern has been CJ McCollum’s shooting and the Guard is having the worst season shooting-wise. The bench is deep and coach Willie Green knows how to deploy his troops well.

• Jazz: OUT: Simone Fontechhio, Collin Sexton, Johnny Juzang;
• Pelicans: OUT: Brandon Ingram, Jose Alvarado, EJ Liddell.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Zion Williamson(24-31 Points), Lauri Markkanen(22-26 Points), Jordan Clarkson(19-24 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Jonas Valanciunas(11-15 Rebounds), Zion Williamson(8-11 Rebounds), Lauri Markkanen(8-11 Rebounds), Walker Kessler(7-10 Rebounds);

The Jazz defeated the Pelicans comfortably in the last game and they had one of their best games in recent memory. The Pels have been overly dependent upon Williamson and not having Ingram was going to hurt at some point. CJ McCollum hasn’t been himself and the team also needs more from Trey Murphy who is a streak shooter. The Jazz’s Guard depth looks superior even without Sexton but they aren’t consistent on the defensive. I give the Pelicans an edge here despite the lost loss and I believe Willie Green will make the required adjustments. I predict a 120:115 scoreline in favor of the Pels.