New Orleans Pelicans vs Utah Jazz Picks and Predictions for Friday, October 23, 2026
New Orleans had a chance to beat Indiana on Wednesday, only to watch the Pacers take over in the closing minutes. The Pelicans lost 123-120 and now head west for Friday's game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Tipoff is at 9:30 pm ET on NBA League Pass. New Orleans begins the season 0-1, tied for third in the Southwest Division. Utah is also 0-1 and sits fifth in the Northwest after losing 123-103 in Memphis. Both clubs have some things to sort out before their second game. Catch more Friday basketball with our free NBA picks.
New Orleans Has to Finish Stronger
There was a lot to like about New Orleans' effort against Indiana, at least until the closing minutes. The Pelicans recovered from a difficult first quarter and carried a six-point advantage into the fourth. They were still ahead by eight before Tyrese Haliburton helped Indiana turn the game around. New Orleans eventually lost 123-120, despite getting plenty of opportunities around the basket. The Pelicans finished with 49 rebounds and six blocked shots. Their biggest concern now is finding a way to protect a lead when the other team starts making shots.
Dejounte Murray was busy throughout Wednesday's opener, finishing with 23 points and seven assists. Zion Williamson wasn't far behind with 22 points and even knocked down two three-pointers, something he rarely attempted last season. Yves Missi had a strong night underneath, pulling down 14 rebounds and scoring 13 points. Murray and Missi each blocked three shots, giving New Orleans some resistance around the rim. That physical presence could be useful against Utah, particularly after the Jazz struggled to keep Memphis from collecting rebounds.
Injuries: No reported injuries.
Utah Needs More Help Around the Basket
Memphis made Utah's opener uncomfortable early, and things got worse after halftime. The Jazz trailed by 13 at the break before the Grizzlies opened the third quarter with an 18-4 burst. Utah never got back into the game and lost 123-103. There were some encouraging moments, but the Jazz had trouble getting stops. Utah finished with 38 rebounds and 12 blocks while allowing 123 points. Twelve rejections sound impressive, yet they couldn't make up for Memphis' extra chances. The Jazz will want to be stronger on the boards at home.
Keyonte George was Utah's leading scorer with 22 points and also handed out five assists, the most on the team. Lauri Markkanen added 18 points and led the rebounding with nine. Jaxson Hayes was active protecting the rim, recording six blocks in the opener. Jaren Jackson Jr. chipped in 15 points before fouling out. Having Hayes challenge shots is useful, but the Jazz need to collect the ball afterward. Against Missi and Williamson, forcing a difficult shot won't always prevent New Orleans from scoring.
Injuries: Tony Bradley and Trey Alexander are questionable. Jusuf Nurkic is out with a foot injury.
Key To The Game
New Orleans grabbed 49 rebounds in its opener compared with Utah's 38. The Jazz blocked plenty of shots but struggled to stop Memphis from scoring. The Pelicans can exploit that weakness through Missi and Williamson inside.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Utah Jazz Game Pick
- New Orleans Pelicans +5.5
New Orleans nearly beat Indiana and had chances to close out the game. Utah never recovered after Memphis pulled away, and the Jazz finished with only 38 rebounds. Missi gives the Pelicans a strong presence near the basket, while Murray can create opportunities for teammates. Utah's shot blockers will make things difficult inside, but New Orleans has enough options to keep this close and cover the 5.5-point spread on Friday.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Utah Jazz Over/Under Pick
- Over 241.5
Both clubs gave up 123 points in their openers, and New Orleans scored 120 in its loss to Indiana. Utah struggled to keep Memphis off the scoreboard despite blocking 12 shots. The Pelicans can find points inside with Williamson and Missi, while George gives the Jazz a scoring option from the perimeter. Neither team showed reliable defensive control Wednesday. This matchup will finish over the listed 241.5-point total on Friday.