New Orleans vs Utah Prediction: Are They Worthy of Each Other?

The Pelicans and Jazz have two wins each to start the season, and one of them is going to clinch a spot at the top of the Western Conference standings in a head-to-head meeting. Who is stronger at the moment - New Orleans and Utah?

The Pelicans have become a full-fledged playoff contender and already have four players in their starting five who play at a star or near-star level. It's amazing how Jonas Valančiūnas continues to progress, and with Zion Williamson back in the lineup, the Lithuanian has not lost any efficiency. Zion is in full control right now, even despite his size he is light and can easily crush any player under the basket. C.J. McCollum is getting used to being the primary point guard, while Herbert Jones has become the role player the Pelicans need right now with good defense and an ability to shoot from beyond the arc. Jose Alvarado and Larry Nance help out defensively in the second unit, while weak guard Devonte Graham is slowly losing his spot in the rotation. As for losses, only Kira Lewis will definitely not play against Utah, while Jackson Hayes' return is still questionable.

At the beginning of the regular season Willie Green's team defeated Brooklyn and Charlotte. Against the Hornets, New Orleans held back their offense for a long time, but eventually the defense faltered at the arc. Jonas Valanciunas was unstoppable under the basket, but Zion consistently missed in the paint. The Pelicans had no shots on the night, but half of their points came from under the basket. Valanciunas, McCollum, Williamson and Ingram combined for 95 points and the only other role players worth mentioning were Alvarado and Jones, who shot over 50% from the field.

The Jazz were almost the biggest surprise at the start of the regular season. After the trades of Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gober and Bojan Bogdanoviс, no one took seriously a team whose coach is younger than Mike Conley. Nevertheless, Will Hardy had quite a few bright offensive players at his disposal. In addition to Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, Mike Conley and Jordan Clarkson, Kelly Olynyk and Malik Beasley have opened up nicely, all six now averaging 12+ points. Jarred Vanderbilt helps out on defense and rookie Walker Kessler also looks decent under the basket. We are pleased with the fact that the sack is still empty and that all of the Jazz's strongest players are ready to play.

At the start of the championship Will Hardy's team defeated two teams that reached the playoffs last season. After defeating Denver, Utah was unstoppable and beat Minnesota in overtime, 132-126. For a long time, the Jazz were in a catching-up role, and once again the team showed character. Kelly Olynyk had enough for the whole game this time and scored 21 points, making 5 three-pointers. Clarkson was Utah's leading scorer with 7 three-pointers. In addition to their high shooting percentage from beyond the arc, they played well on the fast break, but their defense under the basket often stagnated.

• The Pelicans have won four of their last five games.
• Utah had conceded over 110 points in 3 of their last 5 games.

The Pelicans play a very dynamic game, they have good scorers and powerful players in the front line. Zion Williamson will have even more space against Utah, yet the visitors lack a dimensional center. Walker Kessler doesn't have enough experience or muscle mass to handle Williamson and Valanciunas and we shouldn't forget about McCollum and Ingram either. Once again, we should expect a shootout in which the Pelicans have a better chance of winning. 

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