Prediction – Pelicans 101, Jazz 96
I absolutely love the way the Jazz have been playing of late. They’ve finally looked sharp on both ends of the floor, the ball movement has been superb and their chemistry is beginning to appear electric. Despite all that, I have a feeling that their hot streak has to come to an end at some point which could very well be tonight.
The Pelicans have looked much improved this year and without Rudy Gobert in the mix, I think Utah will struggle greatly to contain their opponent’s two bigs. Not only that, but since this is the second game of a back-to-back, I have a feeling that the Pelicans may come out energized and be able to wear down a Jazz team that’s somewhat short on depth due to all their injuries.
I still expect a close contest, but in the end I’m pinning New Orleans to pull away with the win.
Next: Utah Jazz-New Orleans key matchup: Derrick Favors vs Pelicans Bigs
Nevertheless, the Jazz could very well prove me completely wrong. With how phenomenal their offense has been during their four-game winning streak, it’s hard not to expect them to come back down to earth at some point and several factors of this match-up seem to make it a prime candidate. However, if Utah is instead able to keep up their stellar play of late, the Pelicans may very well just be their latest victim.
If such ends up being the case, it’d be a nice start to a daunting month for the Jazz as it will put them above .500 and solidly in seventh place in the West.