Who: New Orleans Pelicans at Utah Jazz
When: Saturday, Nov. 23, 9:00 p.m ET
Where: Vivint Smart Home Arena
How to watch: Fox Sports New Orleans, NBATV
After its rocky start to the season, most of it a result of injuries, the New Orleans Pelicans appear to have found its stride in the recent week. Thursday’s win in Phoenix was the third-straight victory, marking the first three-game win streak of the season, and the fourth win in the last five games.
On top of boosting the confidence of the young Pelicans, the streak also has slowly pulled New Orleans back into the early playoff picture. The Pelicans are in the 10th seed, 1.5 games back of eight-seed Phoenix. Saturday’s contest against Utah pits them against the current six seed in the standings and one of the projected Western Conference favorites.
Unlike New Orleans, Utah started fast this season, winning four of its first five games. Not surprisingly, the Jazz have the top-ranked defense in the league with a rating of 100.7. Also unsurprisingly, Utah is playing at a pace that ranks them 21st in the league.
Comparatively, the Pelicans are ninth in offensive rating and fifth in pace, making Saturday’s contest a battle of two teams composed in two different styles. New Orleans is also getting closer to full strength with Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball both back on the court. Derrick Favors, however, will not be available for the Pelicans in the contest in his first potential return to Utah.
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