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Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Keys to the Game

By Jared Woodcox

Mar 6, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) drives to the hoop past New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) and guard Jordan Crawford (4) in the fourth quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Utah Jazz defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 88-83. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) drives to the hoop past New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) and guard Jordan Crawford (4) in the fourth quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Utah Jazz defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 88-83. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 8, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) dunks against the Utah Jazz during the second quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) dunks against the Utah Jazz during the second quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Prediction – Pelicans 97, Jazz 93

The Utah Jazz really should win this game. They’re 2-0 against the Pelicans on the season and will be playing on their home court tonight. Nevertheless, given Utah’s recent play, combined with the fact that Hayward is questionable for the contest and the Jazz are going to be without Derrick Favors to help Gobert with the Pelicans’ stout frontcourt and I simply have a bad feeling about this one.

If both Cousins and Davis are playing, I just don’t know what answer the Jazz will have alongside Rudy to help contain them both.

I have no doubt that Gobert’s going to come out ready to play and will more than likely have an impactful game. Nevertheless, if Utah’s recent streak of four losses in five games has shown us anything, it’s that they’re a little bit out of sorts right now. And given all the injuries and inconsistent play that has been on display, I’m going to go ahead and predict that the Pelicans steal this one in Salt Lake by a narrow four-point margin.

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With that being said, I could definitely see the exact opposite being the case. Utah annihilated the Pelicans earlier in the year and led for nearly the entire game the last time they met. New Orleans’ bench is spotty at best, so even if Cousins is available and able to play alongside Davis in this contest, the Jazz reserves could certainly help give Utah a big advantage as long as a few guys step up.

I certainly hope that’s how things go, because Utah desperately needs this win for their confidence, for their spot in the standings and to prepare them for the brutal stretch of games that lies ahead.

Every game from here on out should have a playoff feel for the Jazz, as their performance in each contest could very well bolster or hinder their chances of success in the postseason. With that being the case, they’ll need to come out with a refreshed mentality and a rejuvenated desire to compete if they hope to come away with a win tonight and get back on that right track.

All stats courtesy of NBA.com

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