Jazz Seeking Consistency Amid Injuries, Pelicans Riding High on Momentum
Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Who Will Prevail in This Western Conference Battle?
The Utah Jazz (10-30) are set to face the New Orleans Pelicans (11-32) at the Smoothie King Center on January 20, 2024. This Western Conference matchup is crucial for both teams as they continue to fight for relevance in a tough conference. This is the second meeting between the teams this season, with the Pelicans emerging victorious 136-123 in the first contest. New Orleans covered the 11.5-point spread and the game went over the total of 230.5 points, highlighting both teams’ high-scoring capabilities.
As the Jazz look to recover from a tough stretch, the Pelicans continue their quest to build on their recent success. Can the Jazz overcome their struggles, or will New Orleans solidify their dominance?
Utah Jazz: Struggling for Consistency Amid Injuries
The Utah Jazz enter this game on a rough stretch, having dropped five of their last six contests. After an overtime win against the Brooklyn Nets, the Jazz have faced back-to-back losses to the Charlotte Hornets (117-112) and the New Orleans Pelicans (136-123). The Jazz were overwhelmed by the Pelicans in their most recent outing, trailing by as many as 26 points during the game. Although Utah shot 50% from the field and nailed 13 three-pointers, their turnovers proved costly, committing 16 turnovers and allowing the Pelicans to grab 21 offensive rebounds.
Keyonte George has been a bright spot for Utah, scoring 26 points in each of the last two games. Isaiah Collier, the rookie, stepped up with 11 points and 10 assists against Charlotte and added 8 points and 11 assists against the Pelicans. However, Utah’s depth has been affected by injuries. Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and John Collins are all questionable for Monday’s game, and Jordan Clarkson remains out with a torn plantar fascia.
The Jazz will need to focus on ball security and improved defense to stand a chance against the Pelicans. They’ve shown offensive capability but must address their defensive lapses and turnovers if they are to break their losing streak.
New Orleans Pelicans: Riding High on Momentum
The New Orleans Pelicans are entering this game in strong form, having won three straight after a narrow loss to the Boston Celtics. Their recent victories over the Chicago Bulls (119-113), Dallas Mavericks (119-116), and Utah Jazz (136-123) have showcased their offensive strength and rebounding dominance. Against the Jazz, the Pelicans excelled in multiple areas, including a strong performance on the boards, collecting 21 offensive rebounds. They shot 44% from beyond the arc, hitting 22 of 50 attempts, and maintained a solid assist-to-turnover ratio (34 assists to 13 turnovers).
Zion Williamson has been exceptional in his recent appearances, averaging 20.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game over the past four contests. CJ McCollum stepped up with 26 points against Utah, and Trey Murphy III has been on fire, averaging 26.3 points per game over his last four outings. While the Pelicans are without Brandon Ingram (ankle) and Herbert Jones (shoulder), their depth, led by Williamson and McCollum, continues to fuel their success.
New Orleans’ ability to dominate the boards and execute their offense efficiently, even with a few key injuries, makes them a tough opponent. They’ve shown resilience in their recent games, and they’ll be looking to extend their win streak at home.
Conclusion
The Utah Jazz are struggling to find consistency and have been hurt by turnovers and defensive lapses. With key players listed as questionable and Clarkson out, their chances for an upset are slim unless they can drastically improve their execution. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans have been firing on all cylinders, with players like Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum leading the charge. Their ability to rebound and score efficiently gives them a significant advantage in this matchup.
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