SALT LAKE CITY (Interstat) — The New Orleans Pelicans will visit the Utah Jazz on Friday at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, for an NBA game between teams still seeking their first victory of the season. New Orleans is 0-1, and Utah is 0-1. The matchup gives both clubs an early chance to establish momentum in a condensed opening stretch.

New Orleans will look to Yves Missi as a player to watch. In his most recent performance, Missi played 30 minutes and finished with 13 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and three blocks against Indiana. His activity on the glass and protection at the rim gave the Pelicans a strong interior presence in a close loss.

The Pelicans’ most recent result was a 123-120 home loss to Indiana. Missi produced 13 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Dejounte Murray added 23 points, three rebounds, seven assists and three blocks, while Zion Williamson had 22 points, four rebounds and three assists. New Orleans will need a similar balance against Utah while trying to tighten the defensive possessions that decided its opener.

Utah will counter with Lauri Markkanen as its player to watch. Markkanen played 36 minutes in his most recent outing and recorded 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one block at Memphis. His size and scoring range make him a central figure in the Jazz attack, particularly in half-court possessions.

The Jazz’s most recent result was a 123-103 loss at Memphis. Markkanen posted 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one block. Keyonte George scored 22 points with three rebounds and five assists, and Jaren Jackson added 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Utah will be looking for more consistency on both ends as it returns home.

Delta Center will host the Friday matchup, with New Orleans playing as the visiting team and Utah as the home team. Both teams enter at 0-1, making the game an early opportunity to avoid a second straight loss. The Pelicans will rely on Missi’s interior energy and a balanced scoring effort, while the Jazz will lean on Markkanen’s offensive versatility and home-court setting.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of Utah Jazz 115, New Orleans Pelicans 113. Utah is installed as the pregame favorite with a spread of -4.5. The over/under for the game is 241.5.