Utah Jazz at New Orleans Pelicans Free Prediction 01/16/20

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The Utah Jazz (28-12) travel to Smoothie King Center to go head-to-head against the New Orleans Pelicans (15-26). The Jazz look to prolong their 10-game winning streak. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 16, 2020.

Utah Jazz at New Orleans Pelicans Betting Odds

Both teams covered in their last game. The Pelicans (5-point underdogs) defeated the Detroit Pistons 117-110, while the Jazz (3.5-point favorite) beat the Brooklyn Nets 118-107. Both games went over their projected point totals. The New Orleans game went 5.5 points over the projected point total of 221.5, while the Utah game went 2 points over the projected point total of 223.

Utah dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a phenomenally low turnover percentage of 7.5 (better than their season average of 13.5) and a free throw rate of 0.141 (matching their season average). For those same stats, Brooklyn put up marks of 11.0 and 0.100, respectively. Meanwhile, New Orleans dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a solid offensive rebounding percentage of 30.9 (above their season average of 23.0) and a free throw rate of 0.214 (above their season average of 0.170). For those same stats, Detroit had marks of 10.2 and 0.192, respectively. New Orleans was led by Jahlil Okafor, who contributed 25 points, 14 rebounds and five assists. Rudy Gobert had a solid performance for Utah, putting up 22 points and 18 rebounds.

In their two matchups this year, the Jazz have won both. In their most recent game, the two teams combined to score 254 points, well over the projected point total of 221.5. Utah won 128-126 but was unable to cover as a 4-point favorite. Utah made 16 of its 33 three pointers (48.5 percent). New Orleans, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (26.5 vs. 16.7). Brandon Ingram was the game’s top overall scorer with 35 points.

Games involving the Jazz have no tendency in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Utah heads into the game with records of 28-12 straight up (SU) and 20-18-2 against the spread (ATS).

Pelicans games have a tendency to finish over the total (56.1 percent). Additionally, New Orleans is 15-26 SU and 18-20-3 ATS.

Conflicting styles will be on display in this meeting. New Orleans has preferred to play up-tempo (fifth in possessions per game), while Utah has been more methodical (27th in possessions per game). Furthermore, the Jazz’s fourth-ranked offense (effective field goal percentage of 0.547) will battle against the Pelicans’ 23rd-ranked defense (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.536).

Utah Jazz at New Orleans Pelicans Odds Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Pelicans, ATS Winner – Pelicans, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • The Pelicans rank 22nd in steals per game (7.3) while the Jazz rank 28th (6.0).
  • New Orleans ranks fifth in fast break points per game (16.2) while Utah ranks 27th (10.3).
  • The Pelicans rank 11th in second chance points per game (13.4) while the Jazz rank 28th (11.0).
  • New Orleans ranks 13th in blocks per game (5.0) while Utah ranks 28th (4.1).
  • Utah ranks 14th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.1) while New Orleans ranks 26th (18.9).
  • The Jazz rank first in assists allowed per game (20.6) while the Pelicans rank 21st (24.7).
  • The Jazz rank third in three pointers allowed per game (31.1) while the Pelicans rank 18th (33.7).
  • Utah ranks 10th in points allowed in the paint per game (46.1) while New Orleans ranks 27th (52.1).
  • New Orleans is 3-0 when they allow less than 100 points, while Utah is 10-1.
  • In games where they score over 100 points, the Pelicans are 15-23 and the Jazz are 27-7.
  • New Orleans is 9-10 ATS at home, while Utah is 11-10-1 ATS on the road.
  • Of the Jazz’s 22 road games, they have 12 unders and 10 overs.
  • In 19 home games, the Pelicans have 10 overs and 9 unders.

Bettings Trends:

  • In their last five games, Utah and New Orleans are both 4-1 ATS.
  • The Jazz have 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games, while the Pelicans have 5 overs
  • During their last five games, the Jazz have scored an average of 122.0 points per game (12.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 109.0 points per game (3.2 above their season average).
  • The Pelicans’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 3.7 for the season.