Pelicans Set to Soar or Jazz to Play the Blues at Smoothie King Center?

As the New Orleans Pelicans prepare to host the Utah Jazz at the Smoothie King Center, fans are buzzing with anticipation. The Pelicans, coming off a nail-biting overtime loss against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 27th, where they scored 115 points but allowed 116, are looking to rebound and assert their dominance on their home court.

The previous game was a showcase of resilience for NOP as they led for over half an hour and outrebounded their opponents by three. Despite shooting only 32 percent from beyond the arc and turning over the ball 15 times, they managed to keep it close with a strong inside game that yielded them 56 points in paint. Their bench also contributed significantly with 31 points. However, it was not enough as Memphis edged them out with superior three-point shooting (24 percent) and a slightly better assist-to-turnover ratio (1.41 compared to NOP's 1.29).

Earlier on December 24th against Houston Rockets, NOP displayed defensive prowess despite falling short by two points in a final score of 104-106. They blocked seven shots and made nine steals while maintaining an offensive efficiency that saw them shoot nearly sixty percent from two-point range.

However, it's worth noting that NOP had shown what they're capable of when firing on all cylinders in their away victory over Cleveland Cavaliers on December 22nd. They put up an impressive performance scoring 123 points while holding Cleveland to just 104 points. Their offense was clicking; shooting fifty-five percent from the field and forty-three percent from deep while boasting an exceptional assists turnover ratio of nearly four.

NOP has demonstrated that when they control turnovers and capitalize on fast breaks – as evidenced by their seventy-one percent fast break conversion rate against Cleveland – they can be unstoppable.

Looking ahead at Utah Jazz's visitation, NOP must focus on tightening up perimeter defense without sacrificing interior presence if they want victory within reach this time around.

The upcoming clash scheduled for December 28th at Smoothie King Center promises excitement starting at sharp seven o'clock in the evening local time (19:00). Fans can catch all live action via broadcast networks BSNO channel number is six hundred seventy-six dash four or KJZZ for those following Utah Jazz closely.