Upcoming Matchup: Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans
The Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans are set to clash in Salt Lake City on Thursday night at 9 p.m. EST, with both teams striving to improve their disappointing seasons. Currently, the Jazz hold a record of 18 wins and 40 losses, placing them 13th in the Western Conference, while the Pelicans sit one spot lower at 14th with a record of 17-42.
Team Performance Overview
The Jazz have been struggling recently, coming into the matchup on a three-game losing streak. They have had difficulties in the Western Conference, posting a 10-27 record against fellow conference teams. Despite this, Utah has been productive when it comes to offensive rebounds, ranking fifth in the conference with an average of 11.8 per game, with Walker Kessler being a key contributor at 4.6 offensive rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans excel in scoring points in the paint, leading the league with an impressive average of 57.6 inside points per game. Zion Williamson is the standout player, contributing a significant 16.0 points per game from close range. New Orleans also struggles in conference play, holding a 10-26 record.
Offensive and Defensive Analysis
When it comes to outside shooting, the Jazz are making an average of 12.9 three-pointers per game, but this is well below the 14.5 threes they allow opposing teams to make. Offensively, Utah manages an average of 114.8 points per game but concedes 125.9 points to opponents, indicating a defensive weakness.
Keyonte George is the Jazz’s leading scorer with impressive shooting of 45.8% and an average of 23.8 points, while Brice Sensabaugh has made an average of 2.5 three-pointers over the last ten games. The Pelicans’ top performer, Trey Murphy III, averages 22.1 points, alongside contributing to rebounds and assists.
Recent Game Performance
In their last ten games, the Jazz have a record of 3 wins and 7 losses, averaging 114.0 points and shooting 46.6% from the field, while their opponents have managed to score an average of 116.6 points. The Pelicans have fared slightly better with a record of 5-5, averaging 116.7 points while managing a field goal percentage of 47.7%, with their opponents scoring nearly the same at 116.4 points on average.
