Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Preview, Kickoff Time, Channel, Injury Report

The 14 seed Utah Jazz (10-29) will face the 15 seed New Orleans Pelicans (10-32). The Jazz, who had an extremely impressive performance from the rookies last time out against Charlotte, will hope to carry that momentum against a Pelicans team that won the last 2.

Team Previews

Utah Jazz Team Preview

What a time to be a jazz fan. When your team is rebuilding, all you hope to do is make a splash in those drafts, and the first few months looked tough, I tell you. Getting blown out by 30 plus, draft picks not even getting real minutes, vets winning meaningless games, it was a dark time. But now after watching the game against Charlotte where the rookies got their minutes and kept up. Will Hardy deserves most of that credit. He has shaped this team by instilling real confidence in his guys and the results are starting to show. Most notably Walker Kessler, who has an argument to be the best player on the team. But also Collier and Sensabaugh, who have just raised their level in the new year. But with the trade deadline quickly approaching, hopefully more minutes will open up. And when the boys play their best, it makes you think they’re just one Cooper Flagg or Dylan Harper away.

New Orleans Pelicans Team Preview

The Pelicans have had a very rough season and their record reflects that with being the worst team in the Western Conference. But things are starting to look up for the Pelicans, starting with the return of Zion Williamson. Since Zion was drafted in 2019, most believed he would be the next Lebron. An absolute freak of nature who made everyone see Duke. The NBA had extremely high hopes of making him the face of the league. Well… Injuries really hurt his chances and he has struggled to stay on the floor the last 3-4 seasons. Which to Pelicans fans stinks because he is so dominant when he plays. But the lack of consistency has left fans not sure how to feel about him. Although he is back and the Pelicans have now won 2 straight and hopefully Utah jumps in the standings extremely soon. In other news, the Pelicans have been trying to pass around Brandon Ingram to no avail, Herbert Jones has emerged as a difference-maker but he’s out, as of now Zion will be playing Utah, and Trey Murphy III is extremely underrated. When this Pelicans team is healthy, they can make some noise.

What to see

Kessler vs Zion?

This could be an extremely fun matchup and will be a big test just to see where Walker is at. Walker, having a stellar season on the defensive end, has outscored some of the best bigs in the league. A physical monster like Zion will be a good test to see what the Sheriff can do.

Collin Sexton’s game, what will the rotation look like?

With Sexton available, the question will be whose minutes will decrease? We’ve seen the extended minutes of Collier and Sensabuagh during Sexton’s absence. Both have performed extremely well so I will see what will happen with the rotation. Sexton, a name in many trade rumors, will also have me curious about his shot volume/pick and what his trade stalk looks like.

Prediction Pick: Cody Williams will have double figures in this game

Cody Williams has taken a big step since the start of the season. He looks more comfortable in each game and his defense has made an impact. But the offensive side still needs work, and with five points in back-to-back games, I’d hope for a performance like he had against Phoenix. But overall love what he’s been doing recently.

Damage report

The Pelicans will be without rookie Yves Missi, Herbert Jones, Brandon Ingram, and Dejounte Murray has been upgraded to available.

The Utah Jazz will still have veterans Clarkson, Collins and Markkanen out.

That’s how you see

Who: Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans

When: 17 January at 18.00 Mountain Time

Where: Smoothie King Center- New Orleans, LA

See: Jazz+, KJZZ