The New Orleans Pelicans (17-14) welcome the Utah Jazz (13-18) to Smoothie King Center Thursday. Tip is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Jazz vs. Pelicans odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: Jazz lead 2-0
The Pelicans lost to the Memphis Grizzlies Tuesday at home 116-115 in overtime, failing to cover as 4.5-point favorites. New Orleans is 17-13-1 against the spread (ATS) this season and is 4-4 ATS over its last 8. It is 0-2 ATS against Utah this season, having been 3-point-plus favorites in both games yet losing each outright.
The Jazz have won 3 straight games and are coming off a 130-118 road victory over the San Antonio Spurs Tuesday. They covered as 3-point road favorites. Utah has covered 3 in a row and 4 of its last 5. It is 17-14 ATS on the season and 6-2 over its last 8. The Jazz are led by F Lauri Markkanen, who is averaging 24 points per game.