Something has to give on Thursday. The Pelicans are a terrible 6-21 away from New Orleans. Utah is 11-18 at home and has lost three in a row. The Pelicans have won two in a row and split their last 10. Expect defense to take a holiday here. The teams combine to allow 246 points per game. Forwards Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson combine for 44 points per game for New Orleans.
Utah’s leading scorer, Lauri Markkanen, will be out after suffering an ankle injuryon Wednesday in practice. The NBA betting odds have Utah as a 4-point favorite over New Orleans. Go with the Pels to cover and win. This is the first of consecutive games between the teams, with the next one also in Utah on Saturday.
Pick: Pelicans +4 points