Utah Jazz at New Orleans Pelicans: Keys to the Game

Feb 10, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) and New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Jazz 100-96. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) and New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Jazz 100-96. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 1, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) leaves the court after fouling out with 1:10 remaining in the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 104-88. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) leaves the court after fouling out with 1:10 remaining in the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 104-88. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Prediction – Jazz 104, Pelicans 92

In my preview piece from earlier in the week, I was originally somewhat hesitant to pin the Jazz at a double-figure victory, but after last night’s astounding victory over the Atlanta Hawks, I’m feeling even more confident that the Jazz will be able to take care of business in similar fashion.

Although I would be in disbelief if the Jazz managed to match their 61.3 percent field goal shooting from the game against Atlanta, they should still be well able to defeat a lackluster New Orleans team, particularly if they benefit from another solid performance from Derrick Favors who historically has played well against Anthony Davis.

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If the Jazz are indeed able to do so, it would be yet another helpful step forward for them. They currently find themselves with a two-game cushion over the Clippers and Grizzlies and just three games behind the Houston Rockets for third place in the West.

With that being the case, every game is becoming that much more significant and it will be vital for the Jazz to come out on top against a very beatable New Orleans team.

All stats courtesy of NBA.com