The Utah Jazz travel to The Big Easy to face the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday.
The Jazz (33-19) come into this matchup winning three-straight games, as they continue to stifle teams with their relentless defense. Not only do they rank third in defensive efficiency, Utah ranks as the number-one defense based on points allowed. What makes that even scarier is the fact that the offense is starting to click, with George Hill, Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward all finding their rhythm. Favors is the true difference maker though, as his 20-point, 10-rebound, three-steal and two-block game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday shows just how dangerous he can be. If they can get him back to his 2015 form, Utah’s already dangerous team will be one to be reckoned with come playoff time.
The Pelicans (20-32) continue to be one of the disappointments of the league, as they’ve lost four of their last five games. What’s equally as discouraging about that poor stretch is just how well their studs are playing, with Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis both posting monster numbers. That’s been the issue with this team for years now, as they’ve yet to find a third weapon who can help those two out. It was supposed to be Tyreke Evans, but he suffered yet another ankle injury in their most recent loss and he’s expected to miss some time yet again. The struggles have led to some trade rumors as well and the next three weeks may determine whether the Pelicans will be buyers or sellers come the trade deadline.
