New Orleans Pelicans vs Utah Jazz Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.26.26

New Orleans Pelicans vs Utah Jazz Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.26.26

As the 2025-26 NBA regular season approaches its final stretch, the New Orleans Pelicans (17-42) head to the Delta Center to face a severely shorthanded Utah Jazz (18-40) squad. While both teams sit near the bottom of the Western Conference, this matchup provides a fascinating look at New Orleans’ offensive engine versus a Utah roster struggling to find healthy bodies in the frontcourt.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Utah Jazz Matchup Preview

New Orleans Pelicans Key Stats & Trends

The Pelicans’ offense continues to revolve around the gravity of Zion Williamson, who is averaging 21.9 PPG and 6.0 RPG. A bright spot for New Orleans has been the emergence of Derik Queen, who leads the team in both rebounds (7.3) and assists (4.0), acting as a secondary hub. Despite their record, the Pelicans remain dangerous when Zion can exploit the paint, though their depth is tested by recent injuries to their secondary scoring options.

Injury Report New Orleans Pelicans

• Yves Missi (Out): Missi (calf) will remain on the inactive list for Thursday’s game in Utah.
• Trey Murphy III (Out): Murphy (shoulder) is out for Thursday’s game against the Jazz.

Utah Jazz Key Stats & Trends

The Jazz are currently in a state of flux due to a catastrophic injury report. Lauri Markkanen remains their primary weapon, averaging a stellar 26.7 PPG and 6.9 RPG, but his questionable status leaves a massive void. Rookie Isaiah Collier has shown flashes of brilliance as a playmaker with 7.3 APG, but he will be forced to lead a lineup missing its entire defensive backbone.

Injury Report Utah Jazz

• Lauri Markkanen (Day-to-day): Markkanen (ankle/hip) is questionable for Thursday’s game against the Pelicans.
• Keyonte George (Out): George (ankle) is questionable for Thursday’s game against the Pelicans.
• Vince Williams Jr. (Out): Williams has been diagnosed with a torn left ACL and will miss the remainder of the season.
• Jusuf Nurkic (Out): Nurkic is scheduled to undergo season-ending nose surgery Wednesday.
• Jaren Jackson Jr. (Out): Jackson was diagnosed with a localized PVNS growth in his left knee and will miss the remainder of the season.
• Walker Kessler (Out): Kessler will undergo left shoulder surgery and will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Utah Jazz Prediction & Best Bet

Given that Utah is missing Kessler, Jackson Jr., and Nurkic, they have virtually no rim protection to stop Zion Williamson. We predict the New Orleans Pelicans will secure the road victory. Furthermore, with Utah forced to play small-ball and the Pelicans missing the defensive presence of Missi, expect a high-tempo game with little resistance at the cup. We are taking the over on the 240.5 total points line, as both defenses are too compromised to prevent a shootout.