NBA Best Bets: Utah Jazz at New Orleans Pelicans

Utah Jazz (39-22 SU, 27-33-1 ATS) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (26-36 SU, 31-30-1 ATS)

When: Friday March 04 2022, 08:00 PM (ET)

Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana

TV: ATTSN-RM

Point Spread: UTA -3.5/NOP +3.5 (Opened UTA -3.5 at BetNow – Home of the 100% REAL CASH bonus up to $1000!)

Total: 228.5 (Opened at 228)

Money Line: Utah Jazz -158/New Orleans Pelicans +132

Power Rating: UTA -5

Probable Starting Lineups

Utah Jazz PG Mike Conley, SG Donovan Mitchell, SF Bojan Bogdanovic, PF Royce O’Neale, C Rudy Gobert

New Orleans Pelicans PG C.J. McCollum, SG Herb Jones, SF Brandon Ingram, PF Jaxson Hayes, C Jonas Valanciunas

Key Injuries

Jazz
Jared Butler: ankle (QUESTIONABLE)

Pelicans
Didi Louzada Silva: knee (OUT) Zion Williamson: foot (OUT)

The New Orleans Pelicans host the Utah Jazz in a Non-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 08:00 PM ET at the Smoothie King Center.

Recent Form

The Utah Jazz come into this game with an overall record of 39-22, placing them 4th in the Western Conference. So far, Utah is above .500 on the road, holding a record of 17-12. Over their last five games, the Jazz have played well, picking up 4 wins. During this stretch, Utah is averaging 120.0 points per game, 6.0 points more than their season average of 114.1. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 112.0 points per contest. Even though Utah has been picking up wins, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 111.0 points per game, up from the Jazz’s usual rate of 107.4. In the Utah Jazz’ most recent game, Utah took down Houston by a score of 132-127

The New Orleans Pelicans come into this game with an overall record of 26-36, placing them 10nd in the Western Conference. Throughout the season, New Orleans has struggled in their 31 home contests, sitting at 14-17. The Pelicans have played well over their last five games, picking up 3 wins. During this stretch, New Orleans is averaging 118.0 points per game, 11.0 points more than their season average of 107.1. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 109.0 points per contest. The Pelicans have been picking up victories while holding opponents to an average of 108.0 points per game, similar to their season average of 109.0. In the New Orleans Pelicans’ most recent game, New Orleans took down Sacramento by a score of 125-95.

Individual Player Analysis

As Utah travels to take on the New Orleans Pelicans, the Jazz’ leading scorer is Donovan Mitchell. Through 48 games, Mitchell is averaging 26 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 54.0% of his games. So far, the Pelicans are allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 46.67% of their games, placing them 10th among NBA defenses. On the other side, CJ McCollum leads the Pelicans in scoring, averaging 26 points across his 6 games. Throughout the season, McCollum has outscored his season average in 50.0% of his outings. Given that Utah’s defense has struggled to slow down their opponent’s top scorers, CJ McCollum should be in line for a big performance. So far, the Jazz have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 51.06% of their games, giving them a rank of 12th among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Utah Jazz are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 21 of Utah’s 28 games, leading to a winning percentage of 62%. So far, the New Orleans Pelicans have played 43 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 43 times, by an average margin of -13.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans have met up for 3 games. In their last meeting, Utah picked up a 115-104 win.

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How the Public is Betting the Jazz vs Pelicans

67% are betting the Jazz against the spread.

52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 228

Betting Trends Worth Noting

Jazz are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Jazz are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up win.
Pelicans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Pelicans are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Heading into tonight’s game, the Utah Jazz lead the NBA in effective field goal percentage, and are the 5th most efficient team on shots behind the arc. On the other side, the Pelicans are well below the league average in nearly every shooting metric. In addition, New Orleans is just the 24th rated team in effective field goal percentage allowed. This is not a good combination vs a Utah team that has won 9 of its last 10 games. I am taking Utah to cover the spread. Advertisement: If Bovada Sportsbook isn’t one of your go-to betting shops you really need to check them out! They offer a 50% real cash bonus up to $250, rebates on ALL your bets; win, lose or draw, Bitcoin payouts that usually get paid out within an hour of requesting and the BEST live betting platform on the web! Click here to go there now!