Pelicans – Jazz

The New Orleans Pelicans will host the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, after the Pelicans just claimed a surprise win in Utah two nights ago.

The Pelicans (30-36, 18-12 home) are going through a strange period of time right now, after their main man Anthony Davis requested a trade. The Pelicans are trying to tank and would like to sit Davis out, but the league forced them to play him, so they have to give him some minutes – but only 20 or so per game, and they are sitting him out in 4th quarters. Despite this, the Pelicans somehow managed to win their last three games, including shocking road wins over Denver and Utah in their last two games.

The Jazz (36-27, 15-16 away) entered Monday`s game with the Pelicans on the back of 4 consecutive wins and seemed like a lock to win. However, they played really badly, did not take care of the ball, and blew a game they really should have won. The Jazz will hope to get revenge tonight, especially as they need every win they can get in the ultra tough Western Conference.

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Team news: Okafor is questionable for the Pelicans, while the Jazz will continue to be without Neto and Exum.

The Pelicans have been very good over the last week, but that just won`t last with Davis playing 20 minutes per game and sitting out 4th quarters. They do have some other good players like Randle or Holiday, but overall the talent is just not there.

The Jazz are one of the best teams in the West and it`s hard to see them losing to this Pelicans bunch two times in a row. Monday`s game in Utah was really one that the Jazz blew. They had 10 more turnovers than the Pels (!!), while the Pelicans shot 45% from three point range. Also Mitchell shot just 8/24 for Utah. Those things are highly unlikely to happen again.

Look for the Jazz to take better care of the ball here and clamp down on defense. They are a very good defensive team and should now allow those kind of shooting percentages from the Pelicans again.

The Jazz should win this, and it might be a pretty comfortable win if the Pelicans have an off night – which you have to feel is due to happen very soon given that they have been punching above their weight in the past three games.

My tip will be Utah to cover the 4.5 point handicap. Right now odds are going down on this bet. Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans – Utah Jaz 105 – 119.

Pick: Jazz -4,5
Odds: 1.93 @ 1xBet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.44
Event date: 7 March