Utah Jazz vs Portland Trail Blazers odds, starters, injury reports, predictions
The Utah Jazz have as solid a foundation as any team in the NBA. The Portland Trail Blazers, on the other hand, appear to be falling apart at the seams. The Blazers (13-20) are 12th in the Western Conference despite rostering Damian Lillard and a host of quality offensive players. Trade rumors swirl around this club like vultures. Meanwhile, the Jazz (24-9) boast the best offense in the NBA, and look the part of bonafide contenders.
You guessed it: the odds are in Utah’s favorite again tonight.
Utah Jazz vs Portland Trail Blazers Odds Tonight
According to WynnBet, the Jazz are a 5.5 point favorite to win this contest tonight. The over/under is presently at 227.5 points.
Utah Jazz Starting Lineup
Jazz star Donovan Mitchell remains on the sidelines with a lower back injury. Otherwise, all of Utah’s starters are on board for this contest. Look for a starting group of Mike Conley, Joe Ingles, Bojan Bogdanovic, Royce O’Neale and Rudy Gobert.
Utah Jazz Injury Report
Obviously, the most significant injured player for the Jazz in this contest is Donovan Mitchell. Otherwise, Udoka Azubuike (ankle) and Malik Fitts (shoulder) will stay on the shelf tonight as well.
Utah Jazz vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction
It feels odd to predict a win for a team running a Mike Conley/Joe Ingles backcourt over the team with Dame Lillard and CJ McCollum, but here we are. The Blazers are in shambles this season, while the Jazz are thriving.
It might be that the Blazers are still adjusting to rookie Head Coach Chauncey Billups’ style. It might also weigh on this team psychologically to see virtually all of their key players in regular trade rumors. Whatever’s happening, the Blazers are not making a habit of winning games.
The Utah Jazz, on the other hand, are. They’ll struggle to make up for Donovan Mitchell’s production, but with the difficulties the Blazers have faced in 2021-22, they still project as favorites in this contest.
Prediction: Jazz 112, Blazers 108
Utah Jazz vs Portland Trail Blazers TV Channel
Fans in Rip City can catch this contest on Root Sports Plus. Meanwhile, fans in Utah can turn to AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain, as per usual.
Utah Jazz Schedule and Next Game
The Jazz will celebrate New Year’s Eve next with a contest with the Minnesota Timberwolves. They’ll next face off with the Golden State Warriors on the wrong end of a back-to-back.
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The Jazz get a day’s rest before a matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans on January 3. After that, they’ll face off with the Denver Nuggets and reigning MVP Nikola Jokic on January 5.