This game is decided on the glass. Utah lost its starting center Nurkic for at least four weeks, and in its only official game it was outrebounded 55-38 in a heavy loss, with its star forward fouling out after five turnovers. New Orleans lost its opener by three and its front line is the strength of the team.
Missi pulled down 14 rebounds in that opener and Zion is in the starting group, so second chances and free throws should lean to the visitors. Utah's route is home-opener energy and three-point volume from Markkanen, Jackson Jr. and George, and New Orleans' perimeter defence is unproven. The New Orleans absences are two-way G League players, not rotation pieces, and Murray has been cleared and started the opener.
Expect Utah to start sharper at home, with the rebounding and free-throw count turning toward New Orleans in the middle quarters and a close finish. That's why I'm siding with New Orleans to win.
