SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz (18-37) will look to continue their recent surge as they host the Portland Trail Blazers (26-29) at Delta Center on . Portland has had the upper hand in recent matchups, winning both games against Utah this season and four of the last five overall.
Trail Blazers Eye Playoff Positioning
Portland enters the contest with postseason aspirations firmly in sight. After a strong finish to January, going 9-6, the Trail Blazers currently hold the 10th seed in the Western Conference, enjoying a comfortable five-game lead over the 11th-placed Memphis Grizzlies. A key component of their success has been the emergence of Deni Avdija, who earned his first All-Star selection this season, averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. Alongside Avdija, the development of second-year center Donovan Clingan has been pivotal, contributing 11.5 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. The Blazers are building around this core, hoping to return to the playoffs for the first time since .
Jazz Building Momentum with Jackson Jr.
Despite their record, the Jazz have been a competitive force in February, currently riding a two-game winning streak. They navigated a challenging five-game road trip, narrowly losing to Toronto, Atlanta, and Orlando before securing victories against Sacramento and Miami. The turning point for Utah has been the acquisition of Jaren Jackson Jr. At the trade deadline. The former NBA Defensive Player of the Year has quickly integrated into the Jazz lineup, averaging 19.5 points in 48 games this season – 45 with Memphis and three with Utah. His arrival has bolstered a team already featuring All-Star caliber players in Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen. Rookie Ace Bailey is also showing promising signs, contributing to a growing sense of optimism in Salt Lake City. Utah’s recent success suggests they are building a core capable of competing in the Western Conference.
High-Scoring Affair Expected
This matchup is shaping up to be a high-scoring affair. Utah currently ranks last in the league in points allowed and defensive efficiency, while Portland sits 23rd. Their previous three meetings have averaged a combined 261 points, with the winning team scoring at least 133 points in each game and the losing team averaging 125.7. Adding to the potential for a shootout, both teams are playing on the second night of a back-to-back and it’s their final game before the All-Star break. Utah has scored at least 115 points in five consecutive games, and Portland has exceeded 122 points in four of their last five. The stage is set for a Western Conference shootout to close out the first half of the season.
Jaren Jackson Jr.’s impact on the Jazz is undeniable. Since joining the team, he has seamlessly integrated into the offense, providing a scoring threat and defensive presence. He scored 22 points in his Utah debut against Orlando and followed that up with another 22-point performance against Miami. Most recently, he contributed 23 points in a dominant win over Sacramento. Jackson credits his teammates for making him feel welcome and comfortable in his new environment, and he’s excited to play in front of the home crowd at Delta Center.
Markkanen, a former All-Star himself, has also been a key contributor for the Jazz, averaging a career-best 26.7 points in 41 games. He and Jackson Jr. Appear to be forming a potent duo, and their chemistry will be crucial for Utah’s success moving forward. Jackson praised Markkanen’s all-around game, stating he “can do everything on the court.”
The Trail Blazers, meanwhile, are looking to carry their momentum into the All-Star break. Their recent winning streak has solidified their playoff positioning, and they’ll be eager to add another victory against a Western Conference opponent. However, they face challenges with several key players listed as questionable or out. Damian Lillard remains out with an Achilles injury, while Matisse Thybulle is sidelined with thumb and knee issues. Scoot Henderson (hamstring), Deni Avdija (back), and Robert Williams III (knee) are all listed as questionable. Shaedon Sharpe is out with a calf injury, and Kris Murray is unavailable due to a back issue.
On the Jazz side, Walker Kessler (shoulder), Elijah Harkless (hamstring), and Keyonte George (ankle) are all out.
With both teams navigating injury concerns and playing on the second night of a back-to-back, fatigue could play a significant role in the outcome. However, the potential for a high-scoring, exciting game remains high, as both the Trail Blazers and the Jazz look to finish the first half of the season on a positive note.
