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: 302 and 1170. 688-1 is DirecTV. Dish: available on January 1.
b>How to Watch: Rip City TV Network. If you don t have cable, you can stillwatch this game live for FREE with the help of an HDTV antennaon your local ABC affiliate (Charge 2.2 in Portland). These antennas are very easy to install and cost around $20. You can purchase one at your local Bi-Mart or Fred Meyer, orbuy one online at Walmartorfrom Amazonand have it shipped quickly to your home. Here are some instructions onhow to set up an HDTV antennaon your television or other display. You can find out more about which channel Rip City TV Network is on in your area byusing the channel finder here.
ODDS(Oregon Lottery/DraftKings)
Moneyline:POR -142 | UTA +125
Spread:POR -2.5 |Over/Under:225.5
INJURIES
Blazers: Scoot Henderson(left quad contusion) is questionable.Donovan Clingan(left knee sprain),Matisse Thybulle(right ankle sprain) andRobert Williams III(concussion protocol) are out.
Jazz: Jordan Clarkson(left plantar fasciitis) andTaylor Hendricks(right fibula fracture) are out.
NEXT UP
The Blazers play at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the Los Angeles Lakers (12-10).
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— Aaron Fentress |[email protected]|@AaronJFentress(Twitter),@AaronJFentress(Instagram),@AaronFentress(Facebook)
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