Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction, Odds, Best Bets - Opening Week

Both frontcourts are held together with spare parts in New Orleans, where Utah arrives without its two biggest bodies and the Pelicans keep scoring anyway.

The Matchup

New Orleans is 3-4, scores 121.9 points per game, and allows 120.1. The Pelicans play fast, score in waves, and defend just well enough at home. Zion Williamson is the engine, Dejounte Murray runs the offense, and Derik Queen has given them a skilled young big. Utah is 1-6, scores 107.0, and allows 118.9. Lauri Markkanen is the Jazz's best player, Keyonte George is their lead guard, and Ace Bailey is the young scorer they are building around.

The injury reports decide the shape of this game. Utah is without Jaren Jackson Jr., out with a knee injury until around December 14, and Jusuf Nurkic, out with a foot strain until around November 13. That leaves the Jazz without their two biggest frontcourt players against Williamson, who lives at the rim.

New Orleans has its own absences. Jordan Poole is out with an ankle sprain, Yves Missi is out with a knee bruise until around November 8, and Trey Murphy III is day-to-day. Keep an eye on whether Murphy plays before placing a bet, because his shooting is a real part of the Pelicans' spacing.

DraftKings makes New Orleans a 5.5-point home favorite at Smoothie King Center, with a total of 235.5, the highest on the board. The market expects points, and both defenses have cooperated with that idea all season.

Key Factors

Utah's paint is the problem. Without Jackson and Nurkic, the Jazz have Kyle Filipowski and a committee of smaller bodies to guard Williamson and Queen, and neither option holds up for a full game. New Orleans can play through the post, force help, and kick to shooters, and Utah's perimeter defense has not been good enough to survive that cycle.

Utah's scoring is the second problem. The Jazz manage 107.0 points per game with a full roster, and Markkanen has to have a big night just to keep this close. New Orleans allows 120.1, so the chances will be there. Utah has not taken them often enough on the road to trust the back door here.

Murphy's status is the swing piece for the favorite. With him, the Pelicans' spacing around Williamson is hard to guard. Without him, Utah can load the paint and dare the other shooters to beat them, which is the one defensive plan the Jazz can actually execute with this roster.

Every pick is published with its line before the game. Odds via consensus sportsbooks at time of writing and move constantly. Must be 21+. If gambling is a problem, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.