Bottom of the Barrel: Pelicans vs. Jazz

The New Orleans Pelicans, with a record of 11-32, host the Utah Jazz, a team that is 10-30, tomorrow at 8:00 p.m. EST. The Pelicans beat the Jazz on Friday night, 136-123. The 136 points scored by New Orleans was one of their better offensive outputs, as they are bottom ten in points per game. New Orleans has been decimated with injuries and they are getting healthier.

For New Orleans’ offense, look for Dejounte Murray to run the pick and roll. He’s excellent at using a hang dribble and hitting Yves Missi on a roll for a dunk. In the first matchup, Zion Williamson saw mostly one on one coverage. Expect Utah to stay home on their shooters and play Williamson straight up. New Orleans’ defense takes away shots at the rim and lives with perimeter shots.

For the Jazz, they do not have great catch-and-shoot players. They are great at shot creation, starting with Keyonte George, who can create driving lanes and put pressure on the rim. Defensively, they can switch and force the Pelicans into isolation basketball. Both teams are looking to start the week off on the right note.