The Jazz (9-4) are big and good... as always.
The New Orleans Pelicans (5-7) will play their long-lost relatives in Utah to start a two-game mini series beginning Tuesday night at 8 p.m. on Fox Sports New Orleans and NBA TV.
Thanks in part to the return of former Pelican and long-time Jazz backup center, Derrick Favors, the Utah Jazz have the 6th-rated defense (106.5), 3rd-best rebound percentage (52.6), and 5th-rated net rating (+5.2). Simply put, the Jazz are winning by sticking to the basics: no gambles on defense, size and rebounding, and reliable play from a cohesive and deep cast of NBA veterans.