Surging Pelicans look to leapfrog Jazz in the West

It’s been a difficult first half of the season for the New Orleans Pelicans and the Utah Jazz, but they’ll square off Friday night in a matchup of two teams fighting to get out of the Western Conference basement. While the Jazz sit 1.5 games ahead of the Pelicans, New Orleans can jump past Utah in this two-game series at home.

The Pelicans Are Trending Up

After a historically bad start to the season, the Pels have turned things around in January, going 5-4 this month. A big part of that improvement has been the resurgence of Trey Murphy and Dejounte Murray. Both players missed significant time early in the season, but they have been game-changers in 2025. Murphy has been lighting it up, averaging 26.5 points this month (15th in the NBA), while Murray has stuffed the stat sheet with 19.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.

Wednesday’s 119-116 win over the Mavericks showed just how impactful the duo can be. Murray scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, and Murphy’s clutch block in the final seconds preserved the win. The Pelicans have also gotten plenty of support from the bench, with players like Jose Alvarado providing energy and production.

Jazz Limping Into New Orleans

The Jazz have had their own struggles, particularly with injuries. Utah will be severely shorthanded on Friday, with Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, Jordan Clarkson, and John Collins among those ruled out. While Collin Sexton is available (18.2 PPG), he’ll need a lot of help. The Pelicans will have to pay attention to second-year wing Brice Sensabaugh, who has been a bright spot for Utah in January, averaging 20 points on highly efficient shooting splits (52/47/100).

The Bottom Line

Despite their place in the standings, this series holds a lot of weight for both teams. For the Pelicans, it’s a chance to leapfrog Utah and build momentum heading into February. For the Jazz, it’s about continuing to secure their position in the fight for the number one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

New Orleans is playing better and is motivated to pick up another win. But as Jose Alvarado said, the Pelicans can’t afford to overlook anyone. “We’re playing them like they have their whole roster and starting five,” he noted. “We need every win we can get.”

With Zion Williamson also returning, the Pelicans should win this game. However, this season is no longer about wins and losses. It’s about finding answers for the Pelicans’ future, who stays and who goes. Let’s see what answers are provided on Friday night.

Most Recent Starting Lineups

Utah JazzNew Orleans Pelicans
G – Keyonte GeorgeG – Dejounte Murray
G – Isaiah CollierG – CJ McCollum
F – Cody WilliamsF – Trey Murphy
F – Micah PotterF – Zion Williamson
C – Walker KesslerC – Yves Missi

Injuries

Utah Jazz: Jordan Clarkson (left plantar fasciitis), John Collins (left hip injury management), Taylor Hendricks (right fibula fracture), Johnny Juzang (right hand fracture), Lauri Markkanen (low back spasms), and Micah Potter (illness) are OUT.

New Orleans Pelicans: Dejounte Murray (right elbow bursitis) is PROBABLE. Brandon Ingram (left ankle sprain) and Herb Jones (right shoulder strain) are OUT.


Who:  New Orleans Pelicans (10-32) vs Utah Jazz (10-29)

Season Series:

  • Jan. 17: Pelicans vs. Jazz
  • Jan. 20: Pelicans vs. Jazz
  • Mar. 2: Pelicans at Jazz

Series History: The New Orleans Pelicans are 28-48 all-time against the Utah Jazz and have won two straight against them.

Where: Smoothie King Center

When: Jan. 17, 7:00 PM CST

Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network, Pelicans+

Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM

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