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What to watch for March 1, 2021: Utah Jazz at New Orleans Pelicans

The Utah Jazz will look to win their third game of the season against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night.
Jordan Clarkson (00) dunks over Zion Williamson (1) 

Jordan Clarkson (00) dunks over Zion Williamson (1) 

Donovan Mitchell stepped up in the second half to help lead the Utah Jazz to victory over the Orlando Magic 124-109 on Saturday night. The Jazz continue their four game road trip against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 1, 2021.

Jazz vs Pelicans Throwback:

The Jazz lead the Pelicans 41-23 in the 64 games all time between these two teams. This will be the third time that Utah and New Orleans have met this season. The Jazz won both of those games by scores of 118-102, and 129-118.

Earlier this year, the Jazz played back to back games against the Pelicans at Vivint Smart Home Arena. During the first game, Donovan Mitchell led the way with 28-points, while Mike Conley added 10-assists on the Jazz way to a 118-102 win. During game two, Mitchell once again led Utah with 36-points alongside Joe Ingles 9-assists. The Jazz won the second game by 11-points. Rudy Gobert registered 7-blocks combined through those two matchups.

Rudy Gobert (27) blocks Josh Hart (3)

Rudy Gobert (27) blocks Josh Hart (3)

Key Players:

This is another game where two all-star players will be the ones to keep your eyes on. Donovan Mitchell and Zion Williamson have led their respective teams this season, and will face-off tonight at the Smoothie King Center for the third time this season.

Mitchell scored 25 of his 31 points during the second half of Saturday nights game against the Magic to lead the Jazz to a 15-point victory. He leads the Jazz in scoring with 24.5 points per game, and is second on the team in assists (5.3) and steals (1) per game. Mitchell led the Jazz against the Pelicans the last two times out this season with 28 and 36 points. He was named as an All-Star during last weeks announcement.

Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots a 3-pointer over Lonzo Ball (2)

Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots a 3-pointer over Lonzo Ball (2)

Williamson was also named as an All-Star becoming the ninth player in Pelicans Franchise History to be named to the mid-season game. He is also the fourth youngest player in NBA history to make the All-Star team. Williamson currently leads the Pelicans with 25.5 points per game, and is second on the team in blocks (0.7) per game.

Fun Facts:

The Jazz will face the Pelicans in their road blue's tonight. This is the third uniform that Utah has worn against New Orleans in the three games played this season. It's been a while since the Jazz have worn their 'Icon' uniforms, with the last time being back on January 12, against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This will be the sixth time that the Jazz have pulled-out these uniforms this season, and they currently have a 4-1 record when rocking the classic blue's.

There will be three people representing the Utah Jazz in the 2021 NBA All-Star game on March 7 in Atlanta, Georgia. First, Head Coach Quin Snyder will be leading Team LeBron as the coaching representative for the Western Conference. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert will also take part in the All-Star Game, being named as reserve players on Tuesday night.

Mitchell will also take part in the Mountain Dew Three-Point Contest during All-Star Weekend. This will be his first skills challenge appearance since his Verizon Dunk Contest victory in 2018.

Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith, Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons, and Apple CEO Tim Cook have partnered together to build eight new 'Encircle' homes for LGBTQ youth.

The Jazz released Shaq Harrison last week. He averaged one-point in just under three and a half minutes per game during his time with Utah. 

Utah came alive against the Orlando Magic to remain in the top spot in the NBA standings. They currently have a 27-7 record and hold the edge over the Los Angeles Lakers by three and a half games, the Los Angeles Clippers by four games, and the Phoenix Suns by four and a half games in the Western Conference. They also lead the Philadelphia 76ers by five games, and the Brooklyn Nets by five and a half games in the Eastern Conference.

The New Orleans Pelicans are in eleventh place in the Western Conference while sporting a 14-19 record. They are 2-2 in their last four games with wins over the Boston Celtics and the Detroit Pistons. Their losses came against the Milwaukee Bucks and the San Antonio Spurs.

Udoka Azubuike is still the only Jazz player listed as out on their injury report. As of Monday morning, Mike Conley is not on the injury report for Monday night's game against the Pelicans. Expect him to be a game-time decision with the tight right hamstring injury that he suffered against the Pacers earlier this season. JJ Redick is the only player currently on the Pelicans injury report. He is listed as questionable  with a hamstring injury.

How to Consume:

The Smoothie King Center will host the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans in a Western Conference matchup on Monday night. You can catch the game locally on AT&T SportsNet and nationally on NBA TV. The game will also be radio broadcast on 97.5FM or 1280AM. Tipoff will be at 6pm MST.

Rudy Gobert (27) dunks over Jaxson Hayes (10)

Rudy Gobert (27) dunks over Jaxson Hayes (10)

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