Surging Williamson, Pelicans Visit Struggling Jazz in Rematch

SALT LAKE CITY (Interstat) — Two of the NBA’s bottom-tier teams meet for the second time in three days when the New Orleans Pelicans visit the Utah Jazz on Saturday night at Delta Center.

The Pelicans (17-42) snapped a two-game skid with a 113-109 home win over Golden State on Tuesday, led by Zion Williamson’s 26 points and six rebounds. New Orleans had defeated the Jazz 126-111 just last Thursday behind a balanced effort from Williamson (21 points, eight assists) and Saddiq Bey (24 points).

Williamson enters this rematch in strong form, averaging 22.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists over his last 10 games. His recent surge has coincided with a marginally better stretch for New Orleans, which has won four of its last nine after a prolonged slump.

Utah (18-40) continues to search for consistency, having lost eight of its last 10. The Jazz are coming off a 125-105 road loss to Houston on Monday where Brice Sensabaugh scored 26 points. The second-year forward has been a bright spot, averaging 16.2 points over his last five contests, including a 28-point performance against Portland on Feb. 12.

The Jazz will need more from All-Star Lauri Markkanen, who had 29 points in the Houston loss, to counter Williamson’s interior dominance. Utah’s defense, allowing an average of 119.3 points per game, will be tested by a Pelicans offense that has topped 120 points in three of its last five outings.

Both teams are effectively out of playoff contention, making development and avoiding the Western Conference cellar primary motivations. The season series is tied 1-1, with each team winning on its home floor earlier in the season.

Following the game, New Orleans begins a four-game West Coast road trip at the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. Utah remains home to host the Denver Nuggets on Monday.