Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans Pick & Prediction JANUARY 20th 2025

Preview and Prediction

The New Orleans Pelicans were at their peak performance on Friday night, thanks to the Utah Jazz.

The Pelicans achieved a season-high of 22 successful 3-point shots, leading to their highest scoring game and biggest margin of victory this season with a 136-123 win over the Jazz.

Their recent streak of success will be put to the test as they face the Jazz once again on Monday night in New Orleans.

The Pelicans have won three consecutive games, four out of their last five, and six out of nine.

In their previous game against Utah, they attempted a season-high of 50 shots from beyond the arc, matching their total from a win against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday. They surpassed their previous season-high of 18 successful 3-point shots in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 10th.

Head coach Willie Green stated that increasing their 3-point volume and efficiency is one of the main concepts they are implementing with their team.

"We are staying consistent," Green said. "Our message remains the same and our players have done an excellent job of buying into it. I believe the biggest factor for us is that our team is getting healthier and our players have had more time on the court together."

Zion Williamson had an outstanding performance against the Jazz, scoring 24 points, grabbing a season-high of 14 rebounds, dishing out six assists, and blocking three shots in just 23 minutes of play.

This was only Williamson's fourth game back after missing 27 games due to a hamstring strain. He has also missed three games since his return, one due to a suspension and two because they were on the second night of back-to-back games as he continues to regain his top form.

"This is what he is capable of doing every night - his ability to rebound, pass, and play solid defense," Green said of Williamson's performance.

Williamson was the only player on the Pelicans to score in double digits in rebounds, as they out-rebounded the Jazz 56-40, including a 21-7 advantage in offensive rebounds, resulting in a 35-8 lead in second-chance points.

"It is difficult to win when the numbers are that lopsided," said Utah coach Will Hardy. "They had 14 more shot attempts than us (100-86), and the odds are against you if you cannot rebound the ball as a team."

Hardy was pleased with his team's resilience as they fought back from a 26-point deficit in the second quarter to come within six points before ultimately falling short in the second half. Center Drew Eubanks provided a boost off the bench with 17 points and seven rebounds.

"Drew is a special player," Hardy praised. "His teammates love him because he does all the dirty work, setting screens and grabbing rebounds."

Another bright spot for the Jazz was rookie guard Isaiah Collier, who had a season-high of 11 assists coming off the bench, surpassing his previous high of 10 assists against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. However, the Jazz have lost five out of their last six games.

"This is the time of the season where players can start to lose focus and energy," Hardy acknowledged. "Everyone talks about being tired and the All-Star break being in sight, but we will not give in to that mentality."

PREDICTION

Utah Jazz

109

121

New Orleans Pelicans

Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans Recap JAN 20TH 2025