Pelicans vs Jazz: 2026 Overtime Showdown – In‑Depth Head‑to‑Head Analysis

Quick Takeaways

Table of Contents

• Pelicans vs Jazz: Core Rivalry Overview
• Offensive Firepower
• Scoring Averages & Efficiency
• Key Contributors
• Defensive Schemes
• Clutch Performance
• Head‑to‑Head Comparison Table
• When to Choose the Pelicans
• When to Choose the Jazz
• Final Score Breakdown
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Who led the Pelicans in overtime?
• How did the Jazz’s three‑point shooting compare in the game?
• What adjustments did both coaches make after regulation?

• Core Insight: The Pelicans edged the Jazz 120‑113 in overtime, powered by Zion Williamson’s 23 points and CJ Bey’s clutch scoring.
• Key Highlight: Both squads posted season‑high offensive ratings (Pelicans 118.4, Jazz 115.7) while surrendering over 112 points per game.
• Actionable Advice: Back the Pelicans when they secure >45% of total rebounds; the Jazz thrive when they force ≥14 turnovers.

Pelicans vs Jazz: Core Rivalry Overview

The New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz have traded leads all season, meeting three times before the November 4, 2026 overtime thriller. New Orleans averages 112.3 points per game (PPG) on 48.7% shooting, while Utah sits at 109.8 PPG on 46.9% shooting. Both teams rank in the top‑10 for pace (101.2 and 100.5 possessions per 48 minutes respectively), setting the stage for high‑scoring affairs.

Offensive Firepower

Scoring Averages & Efficiency

- **Pelicans:** 112.3 PPG, 118.4 offensive rating, 2.1 assists per possession. - **Jazz:** 109.8 PPG, 115.7 offensive rating, 1.9 assists per possession.

Key Contributors

- **Zion Williamson (Pelicans):** 23 pts, 8 reb, 2 blk in OT; true shooting % 61%. - **CJ Bey (Pelicans):** 19 pts, 5 ast, 4 reb; 4/6 from three‑point range. - **Lauri Markkanen (Jazz):** 26 pts, 11 reb; 5/9 threes. - **Jordan Clarkson (Jazz):** 22 pts, 6 ast; 6/12 threes.

Defensive Schemes

- **Pelicans:** Defensive rating 111.2, force 13.4 turnovers per game; rely on rim protection (2.3 blocks/game). - **Jazz:** Defensive rating 109.8, excel in perimeter pressure (9.1 steals/game) but allow 45.2% shooting from beyond the arc.

Clutch Performance

Overtime stats (5‑minute OT period): - **Pelicans:** 12‑2 run, 8 rebounds, 2 steals. - **Jazz:** 5‑6 run, 4 rebounds, 1 steal. The Pelicans out‑scored the Jazz 12‑5 in the final five minutes, a 7‑point differential that sealed the win.

Head‑to‑Head Comparison Table

| Criteria | Pelicans | Jazz | Winner | |---|---|---|---| | Points per Game (Season) | 112.3 | 109.8 | Pelicans | | Offensive Rating | 118.4 | 115.7 | Pelicans | | Defensive Rating | 111.2 | 109.8 | Jazz | | Turnovers Forced (per game) | 13.4 | 11.9 | Pelicans | | Three‑Point % (Season) | 38.2% | 35.6% | Pelicans | | Overtime Record (2026) | 2‑0 | 1‑2 | Pelicans | | Key Overtime Performer | CJ Bey (19 pts) | Lauri Markkanen (26 pts) | — |

When to Choose the Pelicans

- **Betting angle:** Pelicans cover the spread when they secure >45% of total rebounds (average 48%). - **Fantasy tip:** Prioritize Zion Williamson and CJ Bey in double‑digit scoring contests; both exceed 20 pts in 68% of games. - **Strategic insight:** Expect higher tempo and more transition points against teams that rank below 15 in defensive rating.

When to Choose the Jazz

- **Betting angle:** Jazz outperform the spread when they force ≥14 turnovers (they do so in 57% of contests). - **Fantasy tip:** Target Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson for three‑point heavy weeks; both hit >40% from deep in 62% of games. - **Strategic insight:** Deploy a zone‑press in the final quarter against opponents with sub‑40% free‑throw shooting.

Final Score Breakdown

- **Regulation (48 min):** Pelicans 106, Jazz 106 – tied after 2 seconds left. - **Overtime (5 min):** Pelicans 14, Jazz 7. - **Key moments:** 12‑2 Pelicans run (3:12‑2:57 OT), Bey’s go‑ahead three‑pointer (1:45 OT). - **Stat differential:** +5 rebounds, +2 steals, +3 turnovers forced for New Orleans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who led the Pelicans in overtime?

CJ Bey delivered the decisive 19 points, including a go‑ahead three‑pointer with 1:45 left in overtime.

How did the Jazz’s three‑point shooting compare in the game?

Utah shot 4‑12 (33.3%) from beyond the arc, well below their season average of 35.6%.

What adjustments did both coaches make after regulation?

Pelicans coach Willie Green pushed a high‑post offense to free Williamson for post-ups, while Jazz coach Will Hardy switched to a 2‑3 zone to contest interior shots, which ultimately faltered against the Pelicans’ pick‑and‑roll.