The New Orleans Pelicans (18-42) and Utah Jazz (18-41) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The game will broadcast live on KJZZ.
The Pelicans are 6.5-point favorites over the Jazz on the spread (Pelicans -6.5), with the over/under set at 245.5 total points. New Orleans is a -245 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Utah is +200 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Pelicans vs. Jazz predictions and NBA picks for Saturday, February 28.
Pelicans vs Jazz Prediction, Picks
- Pelicans vs Jazz pick: DeAndre Jordan First Quarter Over 2.5 Rebounds (-140)
My Pelicans vs Jazz best bet is on DeAndre Jordon to record over 2.5 rebounds in the first quarter of tonight's contest. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Pelicans vs Jazz Odds
| Pelicans Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -108 | 245.5 -112o / -108u | -245 |
| Jazz Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -112 | 245.5 -112o / -108u | +200 |
Pelicans vs Jazz NBA Preview
On Thursday night, the Pelicans defeated the Jazz by a score of 129-118.
The Pelicans controlled much of the game and led by as many as 27 points. Zion Williamson scored 20 points to notch his fifth consecutive 20-point game.
However, it was Saddiq Bey who led the way with 42 points. While that may be a surprise to some, Bey had a 51-point game as a member of the Pistons back in 2022.
The Pelicans have been without Trey Murphy since the All-Star break and Bey has stepped up in his absence. He is averaging 21 points and five rebounds per game on 47/37/95 shooting splits in February.
Had the Pelicans not traded their pick in last year’s NBA Draft, tonight’s game would have major tanking implications. They have the fifth-worst record in the league and are a half game worse than the Jazz.
That also makes the recent situation with Derik Queen, the player they traded up for in last year’s draft, rather interesting.
Queen has shown flashes this year, averaging 12.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and four assists per game.
While he has started 45 of 59 games this season, he has come off the bench for the last three games.
Instead, the team has turned to veteran DeAndre Jordan.
The former All-NBA center has not lost rebounding ability as he has 15, 8, and 7 rebounds over the last three games.
The team has won each of those games, so Queen may be coming off the bench a bit longer.
The Pelicans got Dejounte Murray back for the past couple of games, but he is unavailable tonight along with Murphy.
The Jazz will be without Lauri Markkanen, and Keyonte George is listed as questionable.
Pelicans vs Jazz Predictions, Betting Analysis
DeAndre Jordan Over 2.5 First Quarter Rebounds
While you can make the case Queen’s development should be the priority, Jordan has set the tone clearing the glass in the first quarter.
In his last three starts, he has pulled down four, three, and three rebounds. He has played at least six first quarter minutes in each of those games.
The Jazz are 21st in rebounds allowed overall and to centers specifically.
Additionally, they are down two of their best rebounders with Walker Kessler and Jusuf Nurkic out for the season.
He has mostly played the first and third quarters of late, so that’s why I am targeting him for the first quarter tonight.
For the full game, Bey, Williamson, and Ace Bailey are a few players I like to shine.
Saddiq Bey 20+ Points
This season, the Jazz are last in the league in 3-pointers and 3-point attempts allowed.
That plays into the hands of a shooter of Bey’s caliber.
He made five 3s on Thursday and four in three of his last four games.
He has scored 18 points in four straight games and 20 points in three.
Zion Williamson 20+ Points
The Jazz are 23rd in points in the paint allowed to power forwards, where Williamson does most of his damage.
He has scored 20 points in five straight and seven of his last eight games. He has also scored 20 points in five of his last six against the Jazz.
Ace Bailey +15 Points
Bailey has a been a beneficiary of more minutes and opportunities thanks to the Jazz’s injuries and tanking.
He has scored 15 points in seven of his last 10 games. He had 23 against the Pelicans on Thursday.
Pelicans vs Jazz Best Bet
- DeAndre Jordan Over 2.5 First Quarter Rebounds (-140, bet365)
Pelicans vs Jazz Parlay Picks
- Saddiq Bey 20+ Points
- Zion Williamson 20+ Points
- Ace Bailey +15 Points
Parlay Odds: +208 via DraftKings
Spread
I'm staying away from the spread in this matchup.
Moneyline
No play on the moneyline.
Over/Under
My Jazz vs. Pelicans betting prediction is on DeAndre Jordan Over 2.5 Rebounds.
