Blazers and Jazz Face Off: Game Preview

Bassyonni

ago 2 days

The Portland Trail Blazers will clash with the Utah Jazz on January 5, 2026, at the Moda Center. This matchup marks their second encounter this season, with the Blazers previously edging out the Jazz in a close game on October 29, winning 136-134. The Blazers aim to maintain their strong performance at home after a successful 2-1 road trip.

Current Standings and Team Performance

Portland holds a record of 16-20, placing them ninth in the Western Conference. They are keen to extend their success during a four-game homestand starting tonight. Conversely, the Utah Jazz have struggled recently, losing three consecutive games and sitting at 12-22, which places them 13th in the conference.

Player Availability and Injuries

Injuries have significantly impacted both teams. For the Blazers, significant players like Scoot Henderson, Damian Lillard, Matisse Thybulle, Blake Wesley, Jrue Holiday, and Jerami Grant are sidelined. Additionally, Robert Williams III is listed as questionable for this game. On the Jazz side, Walker Kessler, Elijah Harkless, Georges Niang, Kevin Love, and John Tonje are out, while Jusuf Nurkic and Ace Bailey are questionable.

Key Players to Watch

Deni Avdija’s Heavy Workload

Deni Avdija leads the NBA with a total of 1,272.5 minutes played this season.
His average playing time has increased from 32.4 to 38.6 minutes per game in January.
Despite high usage, Avdija’s free-throw shooting has dipped in recent games.

Caleb Love’s Rising Impact

Caleb Love, a rookie, has emerged as a key contributor, averaging 17.3 points in his last seven games. His shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc, has made him an essential player as the Blazers navigate injuries among key teammates. His versatility will be vital in close games.

Jazz Offensive and Defensive Challenges

The Jazz showcase a potent offense, ranking seventh in the league with 119.7 points per game and second in assists with an average of 30. However, their defense struggles significantly. Currently, they rank last in points allowed, making them vulnerable against high-scoring teams.

Lauri Markkanen stands out as a top scorer for the Jazz, averaging 27.9 points per game. His performance will be crucial as the team strives to turn their season around. Meanwhile, third-year guard Keyonte George has shown promise, contributing an average of 24.5 points and 6.9 assists per game.

Game Viewing Information

The matchup between the Blazers and Jazz is scheduled for January 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM Pacific Time. Fans can watch through various platforms, including:

Rip City Television Network (Cable and Antenna)
BlazerVision (Streaming in Oregon and Washington)
League Pass (Streaming everywhere else)
Rip City Radio 620AM (Listening option)

This game presents an exciting opportunity for both teams. The Trail Blazers hope to continue building momentum at home, while the Jazz look to break their losing streak and demonstrate their competitive spirit.