The Utah Jazz are fresh off of utterly destroying the New Orleans Pelicans by a final score of 127-105. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers suffered a disappointing 124-121 loss in their last contest against a struggling Sacramento Kings squad. Tonight, the two Western Conference foes play each other. Utah (13-7) sits third in the Western Conference in what has been an inconsistent season so far. The Blazers (10-10) are currently sixth. That’s undoubtedly lower than they’d like, with star point guard Damian Lillard’s future potentially in the balance. They’ll be hungry to cross the .500 threshold with a victory over the Jazzmen tonight.
Utah Jazz vs Portland Trail Blazers Odds Tonight
According to WynnBet, the Jazz are a 7.5 point favorite against the Blazers and a -310 favorite for the money line. Portland is currently a +255 money line underdog.
The over/under is presently at 223.0 points.
Utah Jazz Starting Lineup Tonight
Royce O’Neale is once again listed as questionable for tonight’s contest. If he’s available, look for Quin Snyder to field his usual starting lineup of Mike Conley, Donovan Mitchell, O’Neale, Bojan Bogdanovic and Rudy Gobert. If he sits, look for Joe Ingles to fill his spot again.
Utah Jazz Injury Report
Beyond O’Neale’s status, big man Udoka Azubuike is out for this contest with a right ankle injury.
Utah Jazz vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction
This contest feels a little difficult to call. The Jazz have made an unfortunate habit of playing down to their competition this season. That won’t fly against a Trail Blazers squad that, despite an uneven start to the season, still rosters Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum and a cast of quality role players.
On the other hand, the Jazz have a better record than the Blazers this year for a reason: they have all the appearances of a better team.
Provided the Jazz execute tonight, and that their three-point attempts find nylon at an acceptable rate, they should walk away with a home win in this one. Just don’t expect the Blazers to make it easy.
Prediction: Jazz 112, Blazers 107
Utah Jazz vs Portland Trail Blazers TV Channel
The Jazz-Blazers matchup will air on Root Sports + in Utah, and ATTSN-RN in Portland at 7 p.m. MT.
Utah Jazz Schedule and Next Game
The Jazz will host the Boston Celtics next to finish a four-game homestand.
After that, they hit the road for a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 5th, and then travel to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on the 8th.