Pelicans Dominate Jazz Despite Key Absences The New Orleans Pelicans secured a decisive 115-105 victory over the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center, extending their winning streak against Utah to seven games. The win marked the Pelicans’ fourth straight victory and their second in three nights against the Jazz, improving their record to 19-42. Despite missing several key players, the team showcased resilience and depth, building a 27-point lead and holding off a late Jazz rally. Jeremiah Fears, who entered the game off the bench, delivered a standout performance with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, recording his second double-double of the season. Fears’ contributions were pivotal in maintaining the Pelicans’ momentum, particularly after Zion Williamson exited the game in the second quarter following a right ankle roll. “His poise, his playmaking settled us,” said interim head coach James Borrego. “His pace. You felt him early. Especially when he rebounds like that, we’re gone. To rebound like that at his size and position just fuels our offense.” Trey Murphy, still recovering from a shoulder contusion, and Dejounte Murray, who rested Saturday after returning from a torn Achilles, were absent, but the Pelicans’ depth proved sufficient. Saddiq Bey led the scoring with 24 points, while Herb Jones added 17 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. The Jazz struggled offensively, missing their first 10 shots and failing to score until the 7:19 mark of the first quarter. They extended their drought to 3:26 in the second quarter, allowing the Pelicans to build a commanding 65-40 halftime lead. Borrego credited the team’s strong start, saying, “A big part of the game was the way we started. We took the crowd out of the game early. They couldn’t find their energy and we built that lead into halftime.#utah_jazz #new_orleans_pelicans #james_borrego #jeremiah_fears #saddiq_bey
Pelicans Fully Healthy Ahead of Lakers Clash After Injury Struggles The New Orleans Pelicans are set to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday as they continue their six-game road trip. The team’s four-game winning streak was broken in a recent loss to the LA Clippers at Intuit Dome, complicating their already challenging path to a play-in spot. However, the matchup against the star-studded Lakers presents a chance for the Pelicans to regroup. The Pelicans will enter the game with a fully healthy roster for the first time this season. Zion Williamson, the team’s standout forward, is the only player listed on the injury report with a questionable status. Despite rolling his ankle in Utah on Saturday, Williamson confirmed he expects to play. His absence during the second night of a back-to-back against the Clippers was precautionary, with no serious concerns raised by his trainer or himself. This game marks the Pelicans’ first opportunity to field all their key players since the season began. Dejounte Murray, who missed 58 games due to an Achilles rupture, returned against the Warriors last week. However, his return coincided with Trey Murphy’s absence due to a shoulder contusion. When Murphy came back on Sunday against the Clippers, Williamson was sidelined, creating a cycle of injuries that delayed the team’s full health. The Pelicans’ situation highlights the challenges of managing a roster with multiple key players recovering from injuries. Coach James Borrego faces the task of balancing a crowded rotation, which already limits minutes for Jordan Poole. Borrego’s trusted ten-man rotation includes Derik Queen, Yves Missi, Jeremiah Fears, Bryce McGowens, and Karlo Matkovic.#los_angeles_lakers #new_orleans_pelicans #intuit_dome #zion_williamson #james_borrego
