BREAKING: Zion Williamson, Jordan Hawkins, Larry Nance Jr Status For Jazz-Pelicans, 12/28

New Orleans is figuring out how to rebound from three consecutive home losses against the Utah Jazz.

Author:
Kyle T. Mosley
Dec 28, 2023 1:10 PM EST

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New Orleans Pelicans

Utah Jazz

The New Orleans Pelicans (17-14, seventh in the Western Conference) are trying to figure out how to rebound from three consecutive home losses against the Utah Jazz (13-18, 12th in the Western Conference).

Zion Williamson is set to play, but Jordan Hawkins won't be available as he's been assigned to the Pelicans' G League affiliate. Larry Nance Jr. is now questionable to play.

New Orleans requires consistent floor leadership this season. CJ McCollum's output is declining by averaging only 4.8 assists and 19.6 points, down from 5.7 assists and 20.9 points in 2022-23.

The Pelicans' struggles in the clutch cannot be solely attributed to McCollum. According to NOLA.com's Christian Clark, the team ranks 28th in the NBA during clutch time with 93.8 points per 100 possessions.

Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram have been prone to turnovers in the final minutes while trying to protect a lead. The team must improve their consistency in hitting foul shots from the charity line.

THE JAZZ

The Jazz grabbed a third straight win for the first time this season on Tuesday, defeating the Spurs in San Antonio, 130-118.

Lauri Markkanen had an impressive game, scoring 31 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. This was his second consecutive game with 30 or more points. Jordan Clarkson, who had just returned from injury, finished with 24 points. Collin Sexton also had a strong performance, scoring 20 points, which marked his eighth game this month with 20 or more points.

After missing six straight games due to injury, Jordan Clarkson has been averaging 27.0 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds while coming off the bench.

FROM BEYOND THE ARC

The Pelicans have been making an average of 11.3 3-pointers per game this season, which is 3.1 fewer than the Jazz allow (14.4), according to Sports Illustrated. On the other hand, the Jazz have been making an average of 13.3 3-pointers per game this season, which is only 0.1 less than what the Pelicans allow.

The two teams will face each other for the third time this season. In their last matchup on November 28th, the Jazz defeated the Pelicans 114-112. Keyonte George was the top scorer for the Jazz with 19 points, while Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 26 points.

LAST 10 GAMES

Pelicans: 6-4, averaging 119.2 points, 44.8 rebounds, 26.4 assists, 8.4 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 48.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.7 points per game.

Jazz: 6-4, averaging 118.2 points, 44.3 rebounds, 29.0 assists, 7.8 steals and 6.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.3 points.