![Feb 23, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) is defended by Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10)] in the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images](https://pickdawgz.com/tachyon/2026/02/28324653-scaled.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024)
| MATCHUP | New Orleans Pelicans | Utah Jazz |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 17-42 | 18-40 |
| Spread | -4.5 -112 | +4.5 -108 |
| Moneyline | -185 | +154 |
| Total | Over 241.5 (-115) | Under 241.5 (-105) |
| Where | Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT | |
| When | Thursday, February 26, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:00 PM EST | |
| TV | GCSEN | |
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans beat the 76ers and Warriors, and they play the Jazz next. The Pelicans have lost 20 of their last 29 games.
The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 114.8 points on 46.3 percent shooting and allowing 120.4 points on 47.8 percent shooting. Trey Murphy III is averaging 22.1 points and 5.7 rebounds, while Zion Williamson is averaging 21.9 points and 6 rebounds. Saddiq Bey is the third double-digit scorer, and Jordan Poole is dishing 3.1 assists. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 34.4 percent from beyond the arc and 78.2 percent from the free-throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 35.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.7 rebounds per game.
Utah Jazz Betting Preview
The Utah Jazz lost to the Rockets and Grizzlies, and they play the Pelicans next. The Jazz have lost 20 of their last 26 games.
The Utah Jazz are averaging 118 points on 46.7 percent shooting and allowing 125.9 points on 48.9 percent shooting. Lauri Markkanen is averaging 26.7 points and 7 rebounds, while Keyonte George is averaging 23.8 points and 3.9 rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr. is the third double-digit scorer, and Brice Sensabaugh is dishing 1.5 assists. The Utah Jazz are shooting 34.7 percent from beyond the arc and 79.7 percent from the free-throw line. The Utah Jazz are allowing 37.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.2 rebounds per game.
Why the Utah Jazz will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last 10 games when playing with a rest disadvantage against the Jazz.
- The Jazz have won 18 of their last 19 games when playing with a rest advantage against the Pelicans.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven games as road favorites against Western Conference opponents following a win.
- The Jazz have covered the spread in each of their last six home games against the Pelicans.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Pelicans have won each of their last five night games against the Jazz.
- The Jazz have lost seven of their last eight games against Western Conference opponents following a loss.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in each of their last eight road games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Jazz have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five games as home underdogs.
Total Points: Facts
- Each of the Pelicans’ last six night games against Western Conference opponents has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the last four night games between the Pelicans and the Jazz has gone OVER the total points line.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts
- Derik Queen is one of only seven players to have made 8+ field goals without a miss in a game this season.
- Saddiq Bey ranks 9th amongst qualified guards for rebounds per game (5.8) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Jazz are ranked 30th in the league for blocks per game this season (3.5).
- The Jazz rank 30th in the league for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (15.5).
- The Pelicans rank 29th in the league for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (14.5).
- The Pelicans rank 29th in the league for opponent three-point field goal attempts per game this season (41.3).
New Orleans Pelicans vs Utah Jazz Injury Report
The Jazz will be without Walker Kessler, Vince Williams, Keyonte George, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Jusuf Nurkić. Lauri Markkanen is questionable.
The Pelicans will be without Trey Murphy and Yves Missi.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Utah Jazz Prediction
The Pelicans are coming off a couple of wins and are the healthier team but they’re still not a team I’m excited to back as a favorite. The Pelicans have just 6 road wins and they don’t string wins together overall. The Jazz are banged up, tanking, and don’t win, but they are a profitable 31-27 ATS on the season. Despite the Jazz throwing games, they still compete and cover the numbers. I’m just not laying low with the Pelicans, especially on the road. Give me the jazz and the points if forced to pick.