Jazz Face Injuries but Stay Competitive, Pelicans Struggling with Injuries
Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans Prediction
The Utah Jazz (10-29) are gearing up for a road game against the New Orleans Pelicans (10-32) in a Friday night Eastern Conference clash. This matchup provides an intriguing opportunity for both teams, who are battling through injuries and seeking to build some momentum. Let’s dive into the key player updates, team stats, and offer a prediction for what promises to be an exciting game.
Utah Jazz: Battling Injuries but Competitive
The Utah Jazz have been competitive despite their struggles this season. After a tough loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday (117-112), the Jazz will be looking to rebound as they begin a road trip. Despite the loss, Utah has been covering the spread consistently in recent games, posting a 4-1 ATS record in their last five outings. Their recent win over the Brooklyn Nets (in overtime) showcased their resilience, even with key players sidelined.
One of the biggest storylines for Utah heading into this game is the injury status of Lauri Markkanen. The star forward has been sidelined with a back injury but remains questionable for this contest. Markkanen has been a steady contributor for the Jazz, averaging 20.1 points per game (PPG) on the season. His presence on the court is critical to Utah’s success, especially against a team like the Pelicans, who can be unpredictable.
Collin Sexton has stepped up recently, scoring 20+ points in five consecutive games. His solid performance has been a bright spot for the Jazz, and his ability to score efficiently (48% shooting) will be crucial in this matchup. Sexton averaged 18.8 PPG against the Pelicans last season and will look to replicate that success.
However, Utah will be without some key contributors in this game. John Collins, who has been out since the beginning of the month with a hip injury, remains sidelined. Collins is averaging 17.9 PPG and 8.3 rebounds (RPG), so his absence creates a significant void in both the frontcourt defense and scoring. Additionally, Jordan Clarkson is also expected to miss the game, leaving the Jazz even thinner offensively.
On the road this season, Utah has gone 2-3 in their last five matchups. They’ve struggled defensively, ranking 26th in points allowed, conceding an average of 117.6 points per game. With such defensive inefficiencies, they will need to rely on their offense to outpace the Pelicans. Utah averages 111 points per game, ranking 20th in the league, and will need to improve on their scoring to have a chance in this contest.
New Orleans Pelicans: Injuries Continue to Plague Them, But Key Players Shine
The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off a hard-fought 119-116 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. This win comes after a tough stretch that saw the Pelicans lose to the Portland Trail Blazers and the Boston Celtics. However, New Orleans has been competitive, covering the spread in four of their last five games. Despite the Pelicans’ injuries, they’ve managed to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
The biggest question mark for the Pelicans heading into this matchup is the status of Brandon Ingram. The star forward has been out since last month with an ankle injury, and his absence has left a hole in New Orleans’ scoring. Ingram has averaged 22.2 PPG on the season and would provide a major boost if he were to return. However, it’s unlikely he will play in this game.
On the other hand, Zion Williamson has been in great form recently. The 24-year-old forward has been one of the few consistent bright spots for the Pelicans, reaching 20 points in four of his last five games. Williamson is averaging 21.7 PPG and has had success against the Jazz in past seasons, averaging 21 points in four games against them last year. If he continues his strong play, the Pelicans will be tough to contain.
Another player to watch for New Orleans is Trey Murphy III. The 24-year-old shooting guard has scored 20+ points in four of his last five games, including a 24-point outing in the win over Dallas. Murphy’s scoring ability has added much-needed depth to the Pelicans’ offense, especially in the absence of Ingram.
New Orleans has struggled offensively this season, ranking 25th in the league with an average of 108.3 points per game. However, they’ve been a bit more efficient defensively, ranking 25th in points allowed (117.1 PPG). If the Pelicans can shore up their defense, they have a good chance to win this game, especially if Williamson and Murphy continue their strong play.
Conclusion
Given their healthier roster and Zion Williamson’s dominance, the New Orleans Pelicans enter this matchup as slight favorites. Utah’s injuries will limit their offensive options, and while they’ve been competitive recently, they may struggle to keep up with the Pelicans’ scoring. Look for New Orleans to take control in the second half, with Williamson and Murphy III leading the charge, as the Pelicans secure a much-needed home win.
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