New Orleans Pelicans @ Utah Jazz Prediction – February 28, 2026
Jake Thompson
Affiliate Disclosure
We may receive compensation from sportsbooks or casinos featured on this page if you register or place a wager through our links. This does not affect our evaluations or rankings. We strive to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but bonus terms, rollover requirements, and availability may change. Always review the operator’s official terms and gamble responsibly.New Orleans heads back to Salt Lake City for the quick rematch after winning at Utah 129-118 on Thursday. The Pelicans are 18-42 (7-21 road) and sitting 14th in the West, while the Jazz are 18-41 (11-19 home) in 13th.
New Orleans is a solid road favorite again, with a big total that reflects two defenses that have struggled all season, especially Utah.
Odds as of 6:10 PM ET on Feb 27, 2026.
Odds & Game Info
Here’s a snapshot of the current betting market for Pelicans at Jazz.
| Market | Pelicans | Jazz |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | -6.5 (-114) | +6.5 (-106) |
| Moneyline | -260 | +215 |
| Total | Over 245.5 (-110) | Under 245.5 (-110) |
When & where
- Date: Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026
- Arena: Delta Center (Salt Lake City, UT)
- Tip time: listed around 9:30 to 9:40 PM ET (local start 7:30 to 7:40 PM MT)
Injury updates (as of Feb. 27)
- Pelicans: Yves Missi (GTD, calf); Trey Murphy III (GTD, shoulder)
- Jazz: Lauri Markkanen (out, ankle); Keyonte George (GTD, ankle); Jusuf Nurkic (out for season, nose); Jaren Jackson Jr. (out for season, knee); Vince Williams Jr. (out for season, knee)
Team Snapshot
This table captures where both teams stand entering the rematch.
| Team | Record (Home/Road) | Last 10 | ATS | O/U | ORtg | DRtg | Pace |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Pelicans | 18-42 (7-21 road) | 5-5 | 29-25 | 30-28 | 113.7 | 119.8 | 100.15 |
| Utah Jazz | 18-41 (11-19 home) | 3-7 | 31-26 | 32-21 | 114.8 | 122.4 | 101.71 |
Recent Form
New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans is on a 3-game win streak, and the defense has looked more functional during the run. In their last three wins (vs 76ers, vs Warriors, at Jazz), the Pelicans are averaging 122.7 points scored and 112.7 allowed.
The Thursday win at Utah was driven by shot-making and ball movement: New Orleans shot 52.3% from the field, went 13-for-34 from three (38.2%), and piled up 37 assists. Saddiq Bey led the way with 42 points, and the Pelicans led by as many as 27 after opening the second half with a 10-0 run.
Utah Jazz
Utah has dropped four straight and has not defended at an NBA level in that stretch. Over the four-game skid (vs Pelicans, at Rockets, at Grizzlies, vs Trail Blazers), the Jazz are scoring 114.0 points per game while allowing 128.0.
The offensive profile is still pace-driven and pass-heavy, but Thursday exposed a major problem: Utah allowed 52.3% shooting and 37 assists, and it never recovered after giving up 73 points in the first half. With Markkanen out, Utah’s margin for error gets even smaller because it needs elite efficiency to offset how often it gives up easy looks.
Matchup Keys
- Defense vs total: Utah’s season defensive rating (122.4) is one of the worst in the league, and New Orleans isn’t far behind (119.8). A 245.5 total is high, but it fits the defensive baseline.
- Playmaking gap: The Jazz average 29.9 assists per game, but New Orleans just won this matchup with 37 assists Thursday. If Utah can’t disrupt passing lanes and close out, the Pelicans can get to 125+ again.
- Free-throw efficiency swing: Utah went 16-for-25 at the line (64.0%) in the last meeting. Even a normal night at the stripe changes the late-game math for a 6.5-point spread.
- Second-chance chances: Utah grabbed 15 offensive rebounds Thursday (New Orleans had 13). If the Jazz win the offensive glass and cut down transition chances, they have a clearer path to staying inside the number.
- Markkanen availability: With Markkanen ruled out, Utah loses its top scoring option and a major spacing piece, putting more creation pressure on the guards.
Betting Trends
- Pelicans are on a 3-game win streak; Jazz are on a 4-game losing streak.
- Pelicans are 29-25 ATS this season.
- Jazz are 31-26 ATS this season.
- Pelicans are 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games.
- Jazz are 6-4 ATS in their last 10 games.
- Pelicans are 7-21 straight up on the road.
- Jazz are 11-19 straight up at home.
- Pelicans have won four straight head-to-head against Utah (including 1-0 this season).
- Pelicans are 30-28 on totals (O/U record) this season; Jazz are 32-21.
Best Bet
Pelicans -6.5 (-114).
New Orleans already proved it can generate efficient offense in this building, and the matchup advantage gets stronger with Markkanen ruled out. Utah’s defense has been the biggest consistent issue, and it just allowed 129 points on 52.3% shooting with 37 Pelicans assists. With equal rest and no travel edge either way, the cleaner path is backing the team that can create easier shots and finish possessions more reliably.
Predicted Score
Pelicans 128, Jazz 118
21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.