The New Orleans Pelicans will be shorthanded against the Utah Jazz tonight at home, which means the odds are stacked against them.
The Pelicans have had no luck this season, first losing Zion Williamson to what is looking like a season-long injury, then adding Brandon Ingram, then Jonas Valanciunas to the list.
Ingram and Valanciunas are both listed as questionable tonight, so it’s possible the Pels will be getting two starters back, but without them, they stand little chance against the Utah Jazz, who have been one of the best teams in the NBA this season.
This will kick off a three game home stand that will put the Pelicans to the test, as they will take on the Jazz before getting the Suns tomorrow and the Warriors on Thursday.
Of course the injury to Ingram came just as the Pelicans were playing their best basketball of the season, further cementing the notion that this team is cursed.
But the games carry on, and the Pelicans will have their hands full with or without Ingram against the Utah Jazz.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Utah Jazz: Odds, spread, over/under
According to WynnBET, the New Orleans Pelicans will be 11 point underdogs against the Jazz at home, so clearly the books think Ingram is not playing or don’t care if he does.
There are no money lines for this one yet, but the over/under is set at a whopping 228.5, as the Utah Jazz have an explosive offense, which should thrive against the shorthanded Pelicans.
It’s hard to recommend a bet without knowing the status of Ingram. If he is playing, then I would take the points, as the Pels have been playing hard in every game, never give up and have shown this is not the same team that will just lay down if they get behind early.
The Pelicans have been playing well in front of raucous home crowds and I like them to keep this one close if Ingram plays. If he doesn’t, then all bets are off.
The Jazz are averaging 116 points per game to lead the NBA and the Pels are 25th, getting just 105 per game. It would take a pretty big offensive outburst to go seven points above their combined average, so I would take the under and the points.
Pelicans vs. Jazz: Best fantasy bets
If Jonas Valanciunas does not play, expect Rudy Gobert to have a massive night and he might anyway.
Ingram has had some of the biggest games of his career against Utah, but we still don’t even know if he’s going to play and it might take him a game or two to shake off the rust if he does, so I’d stay away from him.
The Pelicans should go small against the Jazz, who sometimes have a hard time with small ball lineups, as they have to play Rudy Gay at the five. Because of this, I expect Josh Hart to have a big night on the boards, so he is probably your best fantasy bet for the Pelicans.
If you want to take a risk, Jaxson Hayes is coming off one of his best games as a pro and should get plenty of run, especially if Valanciunas is out.
How to watch
The Pelicans vs. Jazz will tip off at 7:00 PM CT and you can watch on Bally Sports New Orleans or listen on ESPN 100.3 FM.