The Charlotte Hornets face the Utah Jazz in a matchup of two struggling teams looking to build momentum in the Western Conference for Utah and Eastern for Charlotte. With both squads hovering near the bottom of their respective standings, this interconference game at Delta Center could hinge on defensive stops and bench production, especially with injuries impacting key rotations on both sides.
Venue Location
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. MT).
Recent Team Forms
The Hornets have struggled lately, going 3-7 in their last 10 games with a -4.8 point differential.
They are coming off back-to-back narrow losses: 114-112 to the Indiana Pacers on January 8 and 97-96 to the Toronto Raptors on January 7.
On the road, Charlotte is 6-13, averaging 108.7 points scored and 114.2 allowed in recent away contests, with turnover issues (15.3 per game) hampering their offense.
The Jazz have shown signs of life, posting a 4-6 record in their last 10 games with a -2.1 point differential.
They edged the Dallas Mavericks 116-114 on January 8, led by Lauri Markkanen’s 33 points, but lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 7.
At home, Utah is 9-11, but they’ve won two of their last three at Delta Center, allowing 115.8 points per game while relying on three-point shooting (35.1%).
Injury Report
Charlotte Hornets:
Brandon Miller (SF): Probable (Knee).
Grant Williams (PF): Probable (Right knee surgery).
Ryan Kalkbrenner (C): Questionable (Left elbow sprain).
Mason Plumlee (C): Out (Undisclosed, since December 31).
These issues could limit Charlotte’s frontcourt depth, forcing more minutes on backups.
Utah Jazz:
Ace Bailey (G): Out (Left hip flexor strain).
Elijah Harkless (G): Out (G League assignment).
Georges Niang (F): Out (Foot).
Jusuf Nurkic (C): Day-to-day (Toe).
Lauri Markkanen (F): Day-to-day (Undisclosed).
Walker Kessler (C): Out for season (Undisclosed).
Utah’s absences thin their guard and frontcourt options, potentially exposing them to Charlotte’s perimeter attack.
Player Matchups to Watch
This game features battles between young talents and veterans, with rebounding and three-point shooting likely deciding factors.
LaMelo Ball (Hornets PG) vs. Keyonte George (Jazz PG): Ball averages 24.8 PPG and 8.2 APG, driving Charlotte’s offense with flair.
He’ll test George (15.6 PPG, 5.1 APG), who must contain Ball’s speed without Bailey’s help.
Brandon Miller (Hornets SF) vs. Lauri Markkanen (Jazz F): Miller, probable with a knee issue, brings 18.4 PPG and athleticism.
Markkanen, day-to-day but coming off 33 points, counters with 22.1 PPG and stretch-four ability.
Miles Bridges (Hornets PF) vs. John Collins (Jazz PF): Bridges (20.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG) uses physicality to attack the rim.
Collins (16.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG) provides rebounding punch, especially if Nurkic sits.
Series History
The Jazz lead the all-time series 48-24 in 72 regular-season meetings.
In the last 10 games, it’s split 5-5.
Charlotte has won three of the last five, including 126-103 on November 2, 2025, and 111-105 on July 11, 2025.
Games often feature moderate scoring, with the under hitting in 6 of the last 10.
Betting Trends
Hornets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. Utah, and the under has hit in 8 of Charlotte’s last 10 January games.
Jazz are 0-5 SU in their last 5 overall but 7-10 ATS at home.
Charlotte is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games, while Utah is 2-3 ATS in their last 5.
Game Odds
Charlotte Hornets – 4.5
Utah Jazz 238.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 9, 2026
