The New Orleans Pelicans travel to face the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on February 26, 2026, in a matchup between two teams near the bottom of the Western Conference standings but moving in very different directions. While both sides are likely headed toward the lottery, the Pelicans have shown competitive spirit in recent games, winning key matchups and playing with more intensity. Utah, on the other hand, is dealing with heavy injuries across the roster and has struggled to stay competitive, especially on the defensive end.
This game could turn into a high-scoring contest because both teams rank among the weaker defensive units this season. However, the biggest difference comes in availability and momentum. New Orleans enters with a healthier core led by Zion Williamson and improved recent form, while the Jazz continue to miss multiple key players in the frontcourt and backcourt.
With playoff hopes already slim, motivation and depth become the deciding factors. Below is a complete breakdown of match details, standings, recent form, injury updates, player performance, head-to-head trends, and the best betting picks for tonight’s NBA game.
Match Information
| Match | New Orleans Pelicans vs Utah Jazz |
|---|---|
| Date | February 26, 2026 |
| Time | 9:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Delta Center, Salt Lake City |
| TV | KJZZ, Pelicans+ |
| Spread | Pelicans -6.5 to -7 |
| Over/Under | 241.5 – 244.5 |
Current Standings & Team Stats
| Team | Record | Win % | PPG | Points Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pelicans | 17-42 | 28.8% | 114.8 | 120.4 |
| Jazz | 18-40 | 31.0% | 118.0 | 125.9 |
Recent Form (Last 10 Games)
| Team | Last 10 | ATS Trend | Current Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelicans | 5-5 | 5-4-1 ATS | Won 4 of last 6 |
| Jazz | 3-7 | 6-4 ATS | Lost 3 straight |
New Orleans recently picked up strong wins and is playing more competitive basketball, while Utah has struggled badly and continues to lose by large margins.
Injury Report
Utah Jazz
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Lauri Markkanen | Out – Ankle |
| Keyonte George | Questionable – Ankle |
| Jaren Jackson Jr. | Out – Season |
| Jusuf Nurkic | Out – Season |
| Walker Kessler | Out – Season |
| Vince Williams Jr. | Out – Season |
New Orleans Pelicans
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Trey Murphy III | Out – Shoulder |
| Yves Missi | Out – Calf |
Key Player Stats (Season Averages)
New Orleans Pelicans
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zion Williamson | 21.9 | 6.0 | 3.5 |
| Saddiq Bey | 16.8 | 5.8 | 2.4 |
| Derik Queen | 12.2 | 7.3 | 4.0 |
| Dejounte Murray | 13.0 | 4.5 | 6.0 |
| Herbert Jones | 8.9 | 3.5 | 2.7 |
Utah Jazz
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isaiah Collier | 10.8 | 2.6 | 7.3 |
| Brice Sensabaugh | 12.7 | 3.0 | 1.5 |
| Ace Bailey | 11.7 | 4.0 | 1.7 |
| Kyle Filipowski | 9.9 | 6.6 | 2.1 |
| Svi Mykhailiuk | 8.9 | 2.5 | 1.9 |
Head-to-Head (H2H)
| Category | Result |
|---|---|
| Last Meetings | Pelicans won last 5 vs Jazz |
| Recent Trend | New Orleans dominance |
| Average Total Points | 230+ combined |
New Orleans has controlled this matchup in recent seasons and enters with a clear confidence edge.
Also see: Taj Gibson Signs With Grizzlies: 40-Year Old Veteran Agrees to 2-Year Deal
Betting Trends
- Jazz home games have hit the Over in many recent matchups
- Utah allows one of the highest points totals in the NBA
- Pelicans games have gone Over in 3 of their last 4
- Jazz have lost 5 of their last 6 overall
- Pelicans have won 4 of their last 6 games
Best Picks for Pelicans vs Jazz
| Market | Pick |
|---|---|
| Spread | Pelicans -6.5 |
| Total | Under 244.5 (lean) |
| Player Prop | Dejounte Murray Over 24.5 PRA |
| Moneyline | Pelicans to Win |
Also see: Cam Thomas Injury Update: Bucks Guard Confirms He Is Fully Healthy
Match Prediction
The Pelicans come into this game with better form, a healthier rotation, and a clear advantage in star power. Utah’s injury situation has weakened both their defense and rebounding, making it difficult to compete physically in the paint.
If Zion Williamson and the Pelicans control the tempo early, this game could turn one-sided quickly.
Predicted Score:
Pelicans 122 – Jazz 110
New Orleans has the momentum, the healthier roster, and a strong matchup advantage inside. Utah’s defensive issues and injury problems make it difficult to keep pace for four quarters. Expect the Pelicans to control the game, cover the spread, and secure a comfortable road victory.
