Jazz at Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans look to wrap up a sweep of their four-game homestand when they take on the struggling Utah Jazz on Friday. The Pelicans have won a season-high four straight including victories over Miami, Brooklyn and the Los Angeles Clippers on their current homestand. The Jazz have lost two straight and eight of nine, and they're on the cusp of their first 50-loss season since 2004-05.
New Orleans will miss the playoffs for the third straight season but has amassed some impressive, young talent and seeks a strong finish to build upon for the future. "We've got a great group of guys who continue to compete at a high level with a number of things against us," Pelicans coach Monty Williams told reporters. The teams have split two meetings this season with the home team winning each, but Utah has won four of the last five in the series.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ROOT (Utah), FSN New Orleans
ABOUT THE JAZZ (23-49): It's been a tough year for Utah, which is last in the Western Conference and has lost 13 of its last 15. The Jazz let one slip away Wednesday, squandering a 16-point lead in the second half of a 91-87 loss to Memphis. The Jazz have been without one of their top young players with guard Alec Burks sidelined the past three games with an ankle injury and questionable to play Friday.
ABOUT THE PELICANS (31-40): New Orleans' winning streak is commendable considering the amount of firepower the Pelicans are lacking because of injuries. Guards Eric Gordon (knee), Brian Roberts (knee) and Austin Rivers (illness) all sat out against the Clippers and are questionable for Friday — and that's in addition to starters Jrue Holiday (leg), Ryan Anderson (back) and Jason Smith (knee) already being lost for the season. Anthony Morrow was the difference-maker in a rare start against Los Angeles, pouring in 27 points.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. New Orleans PF Anthony Davis has recorded double-doubles in nine of his past 10 games, averaging 29.8 points and 13.5 rebounds over that span.
2. Utah G Gordon Hayward is on pace to join Pete Maravich as the only Jazz players to average at least 16 points (16), five rebounds (5.3) and five assists (5.2) for a full season.
3. Pelicans G Tyreke Evans has averaged 20.9 points, 6.2 assists and 5.7 rebounds in his last 13 games, a stretch that includes all 12 of his starts this season.