The Utah Jazz (36-30) put their five-game winning streak on the line when they meet the New Orleans Pelicans (38-27) at Smoothie King Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 11, 2018.
Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Prediction
In the Jazz’s last outing, they topped the Memphis Grizzlies, 95-78. The Jazz made 16 of their 22 free throws (72.7 percent) and held the Grizzlies to an effective field goal percentage of 0.410 (below their season average of 0.500). Ricky Rubio played a pivotal role for Utah with 15 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
The Pelicans were blown out by the Washington Wizards in their last matchup, 116-97. Washington out-rebounded New Orleans. The Wizards had more offensive rebounds (10 vs. two), defensive rebounds (39 vs. 36) and total rebounds (49 vs. 38). With 14 points and nine rebounds, Cheick Diallo put together a good performance for New Orleans.
This game should be a battle of conflicting tempos. New Orleans has preferred to play quickly (second in possessions per game), while Utah has been slower-paced (28th in possessions per game).
Utah heads into the contest with records of 36-30 straight up (SU) and 35-31 against the spread (ATS). Of the Jazz’s 66 games, 36 have finished under the projected point total.
Meanwhile, New Orleans is 38-27 SU and 36-29 ATS. Games featuring the Pelicans tend to finish over the projected point total (61.5 percent).
Rudy Gobert and Rubio have been playing well over the last five games for Utah. Gobert has averaged 20.6 points, 13.0 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. Not to be outdone, Rubio has put up 13.4 points, 6.6 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 2.0 steals a game during that span.
The Jazz lead the season series against the Pelicans two games to one, including a decisive 133-109 victory in their last matchup. Utah covered as a 1-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 242 points, which was 25.5 points above the projected point total of 216.5 points. The Jazz made 15 of their 17 free throws (88.2 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (27.3 vs. 14.3). Jrue Holiday was a top performer in the game with 28 points and five rebounds.
Utah Jazz at New Orleans Pelicans ATS Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Pelicans, ATS Winner – Pelicans, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Utah is 17-17 ATS on the road with 17 overs, 16 unders and 1 push.
New Orleans is 13-17 ATS at home with 22 overs and 8 unders.
When holding opponents below 100 points, Utah is 24-5 and New Orleans is 8-1.
In games where they score over 100 points, the Jazz are 27-11 and the Pelicans are 36-18.
Utah ranks third in second chance points allowed per game (10.8) while New Orleans ranks 28th (13.6).
The Jazz rank third in fast break points allowed per game (9.6) while the Pelicans rank 28th (14.5).
Utah ranks fourth in points allowed in the paint per game (41.8) while New Orleans ranks 27th (47.8).
The Pelicans rank second in assists per game (26.5) while the Jazz rank 24th (21.6).
Utah ranks third in steals per game (8.7) while New Orleans ranks 23rd in steals allowed per game (8.2).
The Jazz rank sixth in rebounds allowed per game (41.9) while the Pelicans rank 25th (45.3).
Utah averages 16.6 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 12th in the league. New Orleans ranks 24th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.6).
The Jazz rank 13th in three pointers attempted per game (29.3) while the Pelicans rank 24th in three pointers allowed per game (30.6).
New Orleans ranks third in blocks per game (5.7) while Utah ranks 12th (4.9).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Utah is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
New Orleans is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Jazz’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.2, up from 2.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pelicans have scored an average of 115.8 points per game (3.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 111.6 points per game (matching their season average).
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