Pelicans vs Jazz Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Zion, Pels Soar in Salt Lake City

The short-handed New Orleans Pelicans have served up some eye-popping wins already this season, and payback is on the menu tonight as they face the Utah Jazz for the second time in three days.

With Zion Williamson resting and both C.J. McCollum and Trey Murphy sidelined, the Pelicans fell in a 105-100 loss against the Jazz on Saturday — but Zion is expected to be back tonight and New Orleans has won its last five contests with him in the lineup.

Utah’s regression has the hosts sitting at 5-11 this year, but there were encouraging signs over the weekend. The Jazz snapped a four-game losing skid with six double-digit scorers while holding the Pelicans to just 42% shooting. 

Read on for our free NBA picks for Pelicans vs. Jazz on November 27 below.

Pelicans vs Jazz odds

Pelicans vs Jazz predictions

The New Orleans Pelicans have built a deep, talented roster, but Zion Williamson changes the whole equation in terms of how far this team can go.

With Zion sitting out, New Orleans limped to 100 points on Saturday — admittedly on the second night of a back-to-back set — and looked a shadow of the team that handed the Clippers a 116-106 loss on Friday.

But Williamson’s return should spark the rampaging, relentless version of this Pelicans offense tonight against a Utah Jazz team that’s allowing 121.1 points a night (tied for fifth worst in the league).

Before the weekend slugfest, Utah had allowed more than 120 points in four straight outings — and more than 130 points in three of those.

With that in mind, I love the Over on the New Orleans team total. The Pelicans have scored at least 115 points in each of the last six games that Zion has played, and they’ve blown past 120 points in three of those contests.

Though the visitors are not a prolific group from 3-point range, with just over 30 attempts a game, I see them getting on the front foot early tonight, especially if Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen (both questionable) are ruled out for the hosts.

Saturday’s loss was a setback for the Pelicans as they look to stay in touch with the Western Conference pace-setters. I’m counting on a big response, and that starts with a stellar offensive performance at Delta Center.

My best bet: Pelicans team total Over 117.5 (-110 at bet365)

Pelicans vs Jazz same-game parlay

Pelicans team total Over 117.5

Jonas Valanciunas to record a double-double

Zion Williamson Over 4.5 assists

+600 at bet365

While I’m picking a free-scoring night for the Pelicans, this is also set up to be a physical contest in the paint. That should mean a busy night for Jonas Valanciunas against a towering Jazz frontcourt.

Valanciunas could see an uptick in playing time against Omer Yurtseven and Walker Kessler, and he had three straight double-doubles earlier this month. I like the odds for JV to notch another tonight as a force on both ends of the floor.

I’m also picking Zion to show his playmaking chops against a shaky Utah defense. Williamson has had 5+ assists in each of his past five games, and he’s shown a willingness to find open shooters when he draws a crowd in the paint.

Until McCollum returns to the lineup, New Orleans is going to need a heavy dose of Zion running the offense, and that positions him to dish dimes tonight.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Pelicans vs Jazz spread and Over/Under analysis

Despite losing in Utah at the weekend, the Pelicans are clear favorites to make amends tonight, with a 5.5-point line at some sportsbooks. That factors in Williamson’s expected return and some injury question marks for the Jazz. If Markkanen is ruled out, the line could shift further.

New Orleans is 10-6-1 ATS heading into this contest, but a 3-4 road record leaves some room for concern against a Utah team that’s played its best basketball at home this year. 

It’s also worth noting that the Jazz have won seven of the last 10 meetings between these teams, including the last four, though two of those went to overtime.

Both teams have trended toward the Under lately — it’s hit in the Pelicans’ last four games and Utah’s past three contests, though it’s 5-5 in the teams’ last 10 meetings.

I’ve made the case for New Orleans to heat up offensively tonight but the Over on a total of 230.5 could still be tough sledding if the Jazz are missing key scorers.

Pelicans vs Jazz betting trend to know

The Pelicans tend to find their footing quickly and their first-half moneyline has been a winning ticket in 45 of their last 73 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Jazz.

Pelicans vs Jazz game info

Pelicans vs Jazz latest injuries

Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

Pages related to this topic