New Orleans Pelicans vs Utah Jazz Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Thursday February 26 2026
Pelicans vs Jazz picks are on the radar tonight, and if you are looking for sharp NBA picks, this Western Conference matchup deserves attention. These teams are about to see a lot of each other over the next few weeks, and motivation and momentum matter in spots like this.
TLDR - Picks and Prediction
- Spread Pick: Pelicans -4.5
- Total Pick: Over 242.5
- Projected Final Score: Pelicans 127, Jazz 119
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Stats to Know and Betting Trends for Pelicans vs Jazz
- New Orleans has won the last five meetings against Utah.
- Four of the last five meetings have gone over the total.
- Utah has lost its last three games by an average of 15.0 points per game.
- All three of Utah’s last three games have gone over the total.
- This is New Orleans’ first road game in three weeks.
- The Pelicans ended their homestand with upset wins over the Sixers and Warriors.
Odds and Line Movement
Current Odds
| Market | New Orleans | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | -4.5 (-114) | +4.5 (-106) |
| Total | Over 242.5 (-112) | Under 242.5 (-108) |
Line Movement - Spread
| Date | Time | New Orleans | Utah | Public |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/25 | 10:41:59PM | -4.5 (-108) | +4.5 (-112) | |
| 02/26 | 10:43:45AM | -4.5 (-114) | +4.5 (-106) | NO 86%, NO 66% |
Line Movement - Total
| Date | Time | Over | Under | Public |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/25 | 10:41:59PM | 240.5 (-114) | 240.5 (-106) | |
| 02/26 | 09:25:31AM | 242.5 (-112) | 242.5 (-108) | UN 86%, UN 75% |
Pelicans vs Jazz Game Preview and Analysis
This is the first of three meetings in a short stretch between these teams. New Orleans has owned this matchup lately, winning five straight against Utah. Four of those five games went over the total.
Utah has not played since Monday and has only played two games since the All-Star break. The Jazz have dropped three straight games, losing by an average of 15 points per contest. All three of those games went over the total.
New Orleans is coming off a strong finish to its homestand with wins over Philadelphia and Golden State. Dejounte Murray returned to the lineup after missing 13 months with an Achilles injury. He scored 13 points on 5-of-11 shooting in the win over the Warriors. His return adds stability to the backcourt.
The Pelicans do not control their first-round draft pick, so there is no incentive to tank. They have reason to push for wins down the stretch. With Murray back, they have a core to build around over the final six weeks.
Utah’s direction feels less clear. The Jazz have been blown out recently and have struggled to keep games competitive. Given the current form and motivation angle, I lean toward New Orleans laying the points, even on the road.
Key Injuries and Notes - NO and UTA
- Dejounte Murray returned after missing 13 months with an Achilles injury.
- Yves Missi remains out for New Orleans.
- Trey Murphy III remains out for the Pelicans.
- Lauri Markkanen is questionable for Utah.
- Keyonte George is questionable for the Jazz.
Final Score Prediction
- Pelicans 127, Jazz 119
ATS and Total Picks
- Spread: Pelicans -4.5
- Total: Over 242.5
