New Orleans Pelicans vs Utah Jazz Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 02/28/26

For the second consecutive game, the Pelicans and Jazz square off at Delta Center. New Orleans looks to win a fourth consecutive game. Thursday saw the Pelicans dominate this same opponent by 11 points behind 42 from Saddiq Bey and 20 from Zion Williamson. Trey Murphy III’s absence was noticeable — but against a lackluster opponent like the Jazz, it’s easy to overcome the absence of even your best player. New Orleans led by as many as 27 points in that win. You would think adjustments will be made for Saturday’s clash — but even if that is the case, only one team in this game is truly looking to win.

Utah’s tactic of throwing away the season has come under a lot of criticism — even the NBA reacted by fining the team $500,000 for “conduct detrimental to the league.” But that hasn’t really had an effect on the Jazz, who continue to play their young guys with the excuse of developing them instead of trying to win right now. JJJ’s season is over after he had surgery to repair his knee, as well as Jusuf Nurkic who opted for a procedure on his nose that has bothered him for some time. Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen are also doubtful to play, so some of the names we’ll see in the Jazz starting lineup will look very unfamiliar on Saturday.

This game will come down to who wants it more, and I am of the firm belief that team is the Pelicans. Bey and Williamson are still producing at a high level, so they should have their way against the young and inexperienced Jazz once again. NOLA is on a 6-game winning streak in head-to-head meetings and has also covered the spread in 9 consecutive games against Western Conference opponents overall. Let’s back the Pels to cover again.

Pelicans vs Jazz prediction: Pelicans -6 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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