Pelicans vs Jazz Betting Preview: Host Jazz Continue January Hot Streak

Tuesday night’s Pelicans vs Jazz tilt was close for a half, but a dominant third quarter for Utah set them on course for a comfortable 118-102 win. The Jazz is one of the NBA’s hottest teams, as Tuesday’s triumph marked a sixth straight win. They will aim to keep that up in tonight’s rematch against the Pelicans, whose form is at the opposite end of the spectrum.

It is still early, but the Jazz finds themselves in a lofty position in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are looking to shake off their current struggles to make a move up the NBA standings.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Utah Jazz Betting Odds & Information

Matchup: New Orleans Pelicans (5-8, 3-5 away, 12th in the Western Conference) vs Utah Jazz (10-4, 3-2 home, 3rd in the Western Conference)

• Date: Thursday, January 21, 2021
• Time: 10:00 pm ET/9:00 pm CT/8:00 pm MT
• Location: Salt Lake City, Utah (Vivint Arena)
• TV: TNT
• Spread: Pelicans +7 (-115), Jazz -7 (-105)
• Total: OVER 216.5 (-115), UNDER 216.5 (-105)
• Moneyline: Pelicans +230, Jazz -280

Odds via Fanduel as of Thursday, January 21 (1:30 pm ET)

New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview

In the first meeting Tuesday, the Pelicans were in it at the break as they were down by a respectable six points. But the third quarter broke their hopes, as they were outscored 36-20. Zion Williamson had another impressive outing, scoring 32 on 14 of 19 shooting. However, beyond that and Brandon Ingram’s 17, the Pelicans did not have another double-digit scorer. Williamson and Ingram were a combined 22 of 37 (59.5 percent), while the rest of the team went 21 of 58 (36.2 percent).

Tuesday’s loss was the Pelicans’ sixth in their last seven games. After some solid defensive showings early on, they are not faring well there lately. They have allowed an average of 115.9 points per game in their last eight games. On the other hand, they allowed an average of 99.2 points per game in their first five games.

Utah Jazz Betting Preview

The last couple of weeks have seen the Jazz hit all the right notes. As a result, only the Lakers and Clippers, who are both 11-4, have better records across the league.

It helps when not only are your best players playing like your best players, but there are contributions being made up and down the roster. Donovan Mitchell bounced back from a subpar shooting showing at Denver with 28 points on 9 of 14 shooting on Tuesday, while Rudy Gobert had 13 points, 18 rebounds, and three blocks. Overall, the Jazz had six players score in double digits, while Derrick Favors just missed out with nine points.

The Jazz’s run is not coming via tight wins and close shaves, either. There are five double-digit wins in their current win streak, with Sunday’s 109-105 win at Denver the only tight result in the bunch.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Utah Jazz Betting Advice

New Orleans Pelicans Stat Sheet

• Offense: 107.3 points per game (24th in the NBA)
• Defense: 109.5 points per game (10th)

Utah Jazz Stat Sheet

• Offense: 111.1 points per game (t-14th)
• Defense: 105.1 points per game (3rd)

Top Trend

Donovan Mitchell has made three or more three-pointers eight times in 10 January games. In Tuesday’s win, Mitchell was 4 of 7 from outside in his 28-point performance. The double of Mitchell to make three or more threes and the Jazz comes in at -104. Also, Mitchell has hit the 25-point mark five times in Utah’s win streak. That player performance/win double is available at +172.

Predictions

Tuesday’s Pelicans vs Jazz preview noted the disparity between the Jazz’s three-point shooting and the Pelicans’ three-point defense. That proved to be key, as Utah hit 21 threes and shot a robust 44.7 percent from deep in their win. In fact, the Jazz had more three-point attempts (47) than two-point attempts (38).

Look for that advantage to be a factor again. Back the Jazz to cover and record a seventh straight win.

Best Bets

• Utah Jazz -6.5
• Donovan Mitchell to hit 3+ 3s/Jazz win -104