New Orleans Pelicans vs Utah Jazz Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Friday October 23 2026

New Orleans heads to Utah after a narrow 123-120 loss to Indiana, while the Jazz were beaten 123-103 by Memphis. The Pelicans showed enough scoring creativity to threaten a healthier opponent, with Dejounte Murray and Zion Williamson both getting involved. Utah is nevertheless favored at home in a game with a lofty 241.5-point total.

Best Available Odds for New Orleans Pelicans vs Utah Jazz

• Moneyline: New Orleans Pelicans +140 | Utah Jazz -166
• Spread: New Orleans Pelicans +4.5 | Utah Jazz -4.5
• Total: 241.5 points

Game Info

• Date: Friday, October 23, 2026 | Tipoff: 9:30 p.m. ET | Venue: Delta Center, Salt Lake City | Recent records: New Orleans Pelicans 0-1; Utah Jazz 0-1

New Orleans Pelicans vs Utah Jazz Matchup Preview

New Orleans Pelicans: Form and Offensive Matchup

Dejounte Murray scored 23 against the Pacers and Zion Williamson added 22. New Orleans led in the fourth before Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam made enough plays to turn the result. The Pelicans' ability to create paint touches and a few late threes should translate better against a Jazz team that allowed 123 in its opener.

The Pelicans need to solve their late-game organization. Playing through Murray and Williamson offers different angles of attack, but forcing isolation after a defensive switch lets opponents settle. Yves Missi's 14 rebounds in the Indiana game also show how New Orleans can earn additional possessions when its guards miss.

Utah Jazz: Home-Court Matchup

Utah's 103-point performance against Memphis exposed the cost of empty perimeter possessions. Ty Jerome scored 45 for the Grizzlies, and Utah was unable to keep a single opposing creator from repeatedly finding a comfortable scoring zone. The Jazz cannot allow Murray to replicate that kind of control.

There are paths to a rebound at home if Utah runs better half-court actions and forces New Orleans to guard multiple shooters. The concern is defensive resistance: giving up 123 to Memphis in the opener and immediately facing another physically strong backcourt creates a difficult turnaround.

Matchup Dynamics and Availability

The Pelicans can force Utah's defenders into rotation by combining Murray's passing with Williamson's power around the rim. Utah has to close possessions with rebounds and avoid letting Missi become a repeated second-chance option. The altitude is a secondary consideration; the more tangible edge is which club handles the glass and avoids turnovers.

Utah has frontcourt and bench-depth concerns involving Tony Bradley, Trey Alexander and Blake Hinson. New Orleans is playing its second game of opening week, placing greater importance on how Williamson and Murray handle their minutes and share late-game creation.

2025-26 Home and Road Trends

In the 2025-26 regular season, New Orleans went 19-22 against the spread on the road, while Utah went 22-19 at home. New Orleans road games finished with 20 Overs and 21 Unders, compared with 28 Overs and 13 Unders in Utah home games. Those previous-season results provide context, but the current rotations and matchup dynamics determine the more relevant scoring opportunities.

Odds and Line Movement

Utah is a 4.5-point home favorite with a 241.5 total. New Orleans has a route inside that number through Williamson's rim pressure and Murray's creation, even if the Jazz win the rebounding battle.

Best Bet: New Orleans Pelicans +4.5

The Pelicans +4.0 can succeed with a narrow win or a close defeat. Their 120-point output against an Indiana team with Zubac in the paint suggests real attacking pathways, and Utah's immediate defensive form is concerning. New Orleans is the more appealing side if Williamson and Murray remain available.

Williamson's pressure at the rim is the most direct way to test Utah's defense. When the Jazz send a second defender, Murray can find shooters or cutters before the help recovers. New Orleans' challenge is finishing possessions on the defensive glass rather than trading baskets throughout the evening.

Moneyline Outlook

New Orleans can win this game outright if its top creators are available and the Pelicans avoid extended stretches of poor defense. Utah's home floor and ability to score make it competitive, but the favorite must show improvement in its coverage around the paint.

Spread Outlook

Four points offer the Pelicans room even if Utah closes more efficiently. Their ability to generate layups and free throws gives them an alternative to relying on contested jump shots late.

Total Outlook

The posted 241.5 assumes considerable offense. Utah's poor opening defensive performance makes that possible, but New Orleans may be able to reduce the pace with patient possessions through Murray and Williamson.

Player Props to Watch

Dejounte Murray assists: He was involved in most of New Orleans' useful late offense against Indiana. Utah's containment of ball screens should determine his passing opportunities.

Zion Williamson points: Utah's first defensive performance suggests paint access, but his minutes and free-throw volume will be just as important as his shot attempts.

Final Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans 120, Utah Jazz 118

New Orleans Pelicans is projected to win 120-118, with 238 combined points. Best Bet: New Orleans Pelicans +4.5.

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