Tipoff: 9:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. MT / 8:30 p.m. CT)
Venue: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Game Overview
Both teams seek their first win of the 2026-27 season in Utah’s home opener. The Pelicans dropped a tight home decision; the Jazz were routed on the road. New Orleans has dominated recent H2H, winning eight straight meetings. Broadcast on KJZZ, Jazz+, Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network, and Pelicans+.
Projected Starting Lineups
New Orleans Pelicans
PG: Dejounte Murray
SG/G: Jeremiah Fears (or Trey Murphy III in some looks)
SF: Trey Murphy III / Herb Jones
PF: Zion Williamson
C: Yves Missi
Key reserves: Jordan Poole, Bennedict Mathurin, Saddiq Bey, Derik Queen, DeAndre Jordan, Karlo Matković, Trendon Watford, Bryce McGowens, and others. Fully healthy roster built around Williamson’s interior force, Murphy’s shooting/defense, Murray’s playmaking, and Missi’s rebounding/rim protection.
Utah Jazz
PG: Keyonte George
SG: Darryn Peterson
SF: Lauri Markkanen
PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.
C: Jaxson Hayes
Key reserves: Ace Bailey, Brice Sensabaugh, Isaiah Collier, Kyle Filipowski, Josh Okogie, Svi Mykhailiuk, Josh Green, Tony Bradley (available), Mo Bamba, and others. Frontcourt size with Markkanen, Jackson Jr., and Hayes; backcourt creation from George and Peterson.
Injury Report
Pelicans: None reported (fully healthy). Two-ways (e.g., Malik Dia, Jaron Pierre Jr., Julian Reese) listed out for G League.
Jazz: Jusuf Nurkić (right 2nd plantar plate tear) — Out; Trey Alexander (G League two-way) — Out; Harrison Ingram (G League two-way) — Out; Tony Bradley (left quadriceps strain) — Available (upgraded from questionable).
Statuses can update closer to tip; check official reports.
Recent Team Forms
Pelicans (0-1): Narrow 123-120 home loss to Indiana. Dejounte Murray: 23 points, 7 assists; Zion Williamson: 22 points; Yves Missi: strong interior presence (13 points, 14 rebounds in reports); competitive but a late collapse. Healthy and competitive in a close opener.
Jazz (0-1): 123-103 road loss at Memphis. Keyonte George: 22 points; Lauri Markkanen: 18 points, 9 rebounds; Jaxson Hayes: defensive impact (including multiple blocks). Struggled with turnovers and fast-break defense; seeking a bounce-back at home.
Key Player Matchups
Zion Williamson vs. Jaren Jackson Jr. / Jaxson Hayes / Lauri Markkanen: Williamson’s explosive drives and physicality against Utah’s lengthy, versatile frontcourt. Jackson’s shot-blocking and Markkanen’s size will be tested.
Trey Murphy III / Herb Jones vs. Markkanen / Ace Bailey / wing defenders: Spacing, three-point shooting, and perimeter defense. Murphy’s versatility is key for New Orleans.
Dejounte Murray / Jeremiah Fears vs. Keyonte George / Darryn Peterson: Guard creation and on-ball pressure. Murray’s experience and defense vs. George’s scoring burst.
Yves Missi vs. Hayes / frontcourt depth: Rebounding and rim protection battle. Missi excelled in the opener; Hayes provides athleticism and blocks.
Bench energy: Mathurin, Poole, Bey for Pelicans; Bailey, Sensabaugh, Collier, Filipowski for Jazz.
Pace, transition opportunities, and three-point variance will be decisive in a potential high-scoring affair.
Series History
Pelicans lead the recent series decisively, winning the last eight meetings (dating to late 2023). They swept the 2025-26 season series 3-0, including road wins in Utah (115-105 and 129-118 in February 2026) and a 156-137 home blowout (April 7, 2026). All-time regular-season edge favors the Jazz historically, but New Orleans owns the current streak and recent dominance, including three straight in Salt Lake City.
Betting Trends
Pelicans strong ATS and outright in recent H2H (often high-scoring with overs hitting). Jazz at home seek first win; both teams 0-1 after competitive/ugly openers. High totals reflect offensive talent and early-season pace.
Game Odds
New Orleans Pelicans 239.5
Utah Jazz PK
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, October 22, 2026
