Drew Eubanks Comes Up Big For Jazz In Second Quarter

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana – Drew Eubanks is taking full advantage of the start tonight, patrolling the paint and throwing down dunks as Utah trails early in the second quarter.

The Jazz (10-29) take on the Pelicans (10-32) on Friday, January 17, at Smoothie King Arena. Utah is 14th in the West, just in front of last-place New Orleans.

RELATED: Utah Jazz Vs. New Orleans Pelicans Live Blog

the drewality of man: pic.twitter.com/E9H5YR4DIW

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 18, 2025

New Orleans jumped out to a big first quarter lead despite the best efforts of Eubanks.

In one second quarter stretch, the former Oregon State big man sent a Daniel Theis shot into the crowd. Moments later, rookie Isaiah Collier found Eubanks streaking through the lane for a two-handed flush.

Eubanks has four points, one block, two rebounds, and an assist in eight minutes.

Turnover-prone Utah has given up 11 points off seven turnovers. New Orleans is hot from deep, hitting 10-of-16 threes to take a 52-28 lead with 8:22 left in the half.

Somebody has to win a matchup of the West’s worst teams

The Jazz and their fans knew what this season was going to be. The type of year when player development supersedes winning more nights than not. Finding out which, if any, of the young guys can contribute to the next winning team at Delta Center. With 2025 draft positioning in the front office’s mind, Utah has done well to position itself for a massive late-season tank.

Four players listed out for tomorrow's game against the Jazz.#Pelicans | @MorrisBartLLC https://t.co/8o3pkJfacH

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 16, 2025

On the other hand, New Orleans entered the season with dreams of playoff contention. An avalanche of injuries has caused the Pels to be one of the least effective teams in the league on both sides of the ball. The Pelicans are 26th in offensive net rating and 27th in defensive net rating.

Dojounte Murray is probable, and Zion Williamson is expected to play despite another tumultuous season in the Big Easy. All-Star forward Brandon Ingram remains out with an ankle injury, and Herb Jones suffered a torn labrum late last week. The injury is expected to keep Jones out for several weeks.

Jazz, Pelicans injury report for tonight’s game #JazzNation #UtahJazz #TakeNote#NBA pic.twitter.com/BoL3Qzu5Ot

— JazzNation (@JazzNationNews) January 17, 2025

Utah will be without big men Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, John Collins, and Micah Potter, leaving its backline incredibly thin. Jordan Clarkson (foot), and Johnny Juzang (hand) will also miss tonight’s game.

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Tonight’s game against the Pelicans is being televised on KJZZ, streamed on SEG+, and heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone.

Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky. 

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Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering Locals in MLB and Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball coverage here.

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