Jazz vs. Pelicans NBA expert prediction and odds for Tuesday, Jan. 23 (Trust New Orleans' defense with under)

NBA betting preview, prediction and best bet for Jazz-Pelicans. 
Jan 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) dribbles vs. New Orleans.
Jan 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) dribbles vs. New Orleans. / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
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The Utah Jazz climbed out of a brutal start to the year with a 12-2 stretch to move over .500. But the Jazz lost the final game of their homestand to Oklahoma City and started its road trip with a backbreaking one-point overtime loss in Houston. They’ll try to bounce back with a win over the New Orleans Pelicans in the fourth matchup between the two teams this season. 

The Pelicans have split the first two games of a four-game homestand but are coming off a 14-point loss to Phoenix. New Orleans hasn’t lost back-to-back games in nearly a month, but can the Pelicans cover as a favorite at home, where they’ve struggled offensively? 

Here’s a betting preview for Tuesday’s matchup with a best bet. 

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Jazz vs. Pelicans odds, spread and total

Odds Via Bet365

Spread
Jazz: +7 (-110)
Pelicans -7 (-110)

Moneyline
Jazz: +220
Pelicans: -260

Total: 239.5
OVER: -110
UNDER: -110

Jazz vs. Pelicans how to watch

  • Date: Tuesday, Jan. 23
  • Game time: 8 p.m. EST
  • Venue: Smoothie King Center
  • How to watch (TV): Bally Sports
  • Jazz record: 22-22
  • Pelicans record: 25-18

Jazz vs. Pelicans injury reports

Utah Jazz injury report

  • No injuries to report

New Orleans Pelicans injury report

  • No injuries to report

Jazz vs. Pelicans key players to watch

Utah Jazz

Jordan Clarkson: The 31-year-old guard has come off the bench in the last 15 contests after missing six games with a hamstring injury in December. Clarkson is coming off a 33-point, 12-rebound performance in the overtime loss to Houston, his third double-double of the season. 

New Orleans Pelicans

Brandon Ingram: The veteran shooting forward is averaging 20-plus points per game for the fifth consecutive season since joining the Pelicans.  He had his fifth career triple-double in the Pelicans’ win over Charlotte on Wednesday, finishing with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. 

Jazz vs. Pelicans prediction and pick

Looking at the total in this matchup the Pelicans’ have been led by their defense this season. New Orleans has the No. 9 overall defensive rating in the NBA and ranks No. 5 in transition defense and No. 7 in allowing points in the paint, which matches up well with the Jazz, who lead the NBA in offensive rebounding percentage. Both of these squads rank in the upper half of the NBA in permitting second-chance points, as well. Scoring has also been down at the Smoothie King Center, with the undergoing 12-10 this season. 

Utah is 2-1 against New Orleans this season, but those three games have not come close to this total, averaging just 216 total points. Lean on the defenses and take the under. 

Shelby's Pick: Under 239.5


Game odds update periodically and are subject to change