November 3, 2026 at 6:58 AM UTC
Pregame AnalysisSlumping Jazz Run Into a Pelicans Team Still Sorting Itself Out
Utah's thin frontcourt and four-game skid give New Orleans the edge despite its own lineup questions.
- UTA @ NOP Nov 5, 2026 at 1:00 AM UTC
The Jazz come to New Orleans with one win and four straight losses. The latest was a 112-90 defeat at Portland in which they shot 37.1% and committed 20 turnovers. That combination is hard to survive anywhere, and harder on the road.
Utah's roster problems make it harder to fix. Jaren Jackson Jr. is out at least two months with a torn right MCL, and Jusuf Nurkic is still sidelined with a plantar plate tear. Nurkic could return around Nov. 4, but that may be too late for this game. Without them the Jazz are thin on size, which limits their ability to punish a Pelicans group that has been undersized. Lauri Markkanen's name is also back in trade rumors, with Golden State mentioned as a possible suitor. No offer has been confirmed, but it is an unwelcome backdrop for a losing team.
The Jazz can still score. Keyonte George had 31 against San Antonio on Oct. 28 while Utah was short-handed, and Darryn Peterson, Ace Bailey, Mo Bamba and Jaxson Hayes all contributed. That young group gives them a chance to keep this close.
New Orleans is not settled either. Its most-used lineup was outscored by 38 points per 100 possessions across 24 minutes, and Yves Missi started only two games before his injury. The Fears, Jones, Murphy and Williamson group posted a +78.6 net rating, but only over 11 minutes against a weak Kings team. Dejounte Murray also sat for rest against Atlanta, and Jordan Poole missed a Saturday game, so the backcourt remains a question.
Still, Utah's turnovers, poor shooting and lack of size matter more than New Orleans' rotation questions. I expect the Pelicans to take control in the second half at home.
Prediction: Pelicans 113, Jazz 104.