The Portland Trail Blazers are expected to defeat the Utah Jazz on Friday night.
To be sure, it’s an uncommon occurrence. Not surprising, though. The Jazz (4–17) aren’t playing well.
With a net rating of minus-10.3 (28th), Utah is ranked 26th in offensive rating (108.8) and 29th in defensive rating (119.0). On the 27th, the Blazers are at minus-8.1.
On the other hand, the Jazz’s offensive rebounding percentage (32.8%) places them sixth. The Blazers, who are lowest in defensive rebounding percentage (65.6%), struggle with defensive rebounding.
The Jazz have dropped their last five games. Lauri Markkanen’s weak shooting has been their main issue. He averaged 17.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while playing in four of those recent defeats. He also shot 38.7% from the field and 23.5% from three-point range.
Forecast: The Blazers will win. Cooper Flagg, a freshman forward from Duke, is a player the Jazz seem particularly interested in acquiring in the 2025 NBA draft.The Blazers have been playing their way out of a realistic shot, but they still want the same thing. Teams that are headed for the bottom, like the Jazz and Washington (2–17), are off to a better start.
PODCAST BLAZER FOCUSED
Don’t forget to listen to Craig Birnbach’s most recent Blazer Focused podcast. We went over the season’s first quarter.
Utah Jazz vs. Portland Trail Blazers
What: Friday at 7 p.m., Trail Blazers (8-14) versus. Jazz (4-17).
Where: Moda Center.
Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM) is the radio station.
Channel: KATU Charge Portland has an antenna of 2.2. Comcast: 1170 and 302. 688-1 is DirecTV. Dish: available on January 1.
Rip City TV Network is the way to watch. An HDTV antenna on your local ABC affiliate (Charge 2.2 in Portland) will allow you to watch this game live for free even if you don’t have cable. These antennas cost about $20 and are very simple to install. You may get one at your neighborhood Fred Meyer or Bi-Mart, or you can buy one online from Amazon or Walmart and have it delivered right to your house. Here are some guidelines for configuring an HDTV antenna on your TV or other display. Use the channel finder here to learn more about the channel that Rip City TV Network is available on in your area.
DraftKings/Oregon Lottery (ODDS)
Moneyline: UTA +125 | POR -142
Over/Under: 225.5 | Spread: POR -2.5
INJURIES
Blazers: Scoot Henderson is doubtful due to a left quad injury.Robert Williams III (concussion protocol), Matisse Thybulle (right ankle sprain), and Donovan Clingan (left knee sprain) are not available.
Jazz: Taylor Hendricks (right fibula fracture) and Jordan Clarkson (left plantar fasciitis) are not playing.
UPCOMING
The Blazers visit the Los Angeles Lakers (12-10) on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
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Aaron J. Fentress | [email protected]|@AaronJFentress (Facebook), @AaronFentress (Instagram), and @AaronJFentress (Twitter)
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