NBA 2025-2026: Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans: Winner probability, Total Points & Spread

Utah heads into this game in a three-game skid, dropping losses 105-125, 114-123 and 119-135 — a clear trend of defensive breakdowns, conceding 125, 123 and 135 points in those outings. New Orleans has been more up-and-down but enters with two wins in their last three (113-109, 126-111) and one heavy loss (118-139), showing they can both score in bunches and be vulnerable on defense. Looking at the projected starters: Utah’s five average an offensive rating of 103.24 and a defensive rating of 120.20 with an average points-made of 10.94 across the unit, indicating modest scoring and defensive struggles. The Pelicans’ projected five average an offensive rating of 112.38 and a defensive rating of 116.02 with an average points-made of 13.16, suggesting more firepower and slightly better team defense from the starters. That offensive gap (about 9.14 points in rating) and higher per-starter scoring tilt the matchup toward New Orleans.