Jazz vs. Pelicans: Late‑Season Struggles and a Bench‑Led Blowout

Feb. 28 Clash in New Orleans

The Pelicans entered Utah on Feb. 28 trailing an eight‑game skid, while the Jazz were nine games without a win. Utah held a narrow edge early, but New Orleans forced a comeback, with standout guard Brandon Ingram hitting a late three to seal a 112‑107 victory. The win momentarily halted the Pelicans’ losing streak, but both clubs remained far from playoff contention.

April 7 Blowout in New Orleans

Two weeks later the tables turned. With the Jazz already eliminated, coach Will Hardy rested the starters, giving extended minutes to the young reserves. Rookie forward Kyle Filipowski erupted for a team‑high 22 points, leading Utah to a 125‑98 loss. Saddiq Bey paced the Pelicans with 24 points, helping New Orleans snap a nine‑game road losing streak.

Injuries and Outlook

Utah’s injury report listed forwards Jae Sean Cobb and Jordan Poole as questionable, while the Pelicans dealt with guard Dejounte Murray’s lingering hand issue. Both teams now face the final three games of the 2025‑26 season with little at stake beyond pride and player development.

The back‑to‑back meetings highlighted how quickly fortunes can shift in a season’s tail end, and offered a glimpse of the young talent each franchise hopes to build around next year.