NBA Game Preview: Golden State Warriors (26-22) vs. Utah Jazz (15-32)

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The Golden State Warriors (26-22) take on the Utah Jazz (15-32) in a Western Conference matchup where the Warriors look to extend their dominance in the series. Golden State is coming off a split in a back-to-back against the Timberwolves, showcasing resilience despite key absences, while the Jazz continue to struggle amid a rebuild, dropping seven of their last 10 games. The Warriors hold a 2-0 edge this season, with high-scoring affairs highlighting Curry’s prowess against Utah’s defense. This game at Delta Center could see Golden State pull away late, but Utah’s home crowd might keep it competitive early.

Venue Location

Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT).

The game will be broadcast on KJZZ, Jazz+, and NBCS-BA, with radio coverage available.

Recent Team Forms

The Warriors have shown inconsistency on the road but boast strong offensive firepower, averaging 116.0 PPG overall. The Jazz, meanwhile, are plagued by defensive woes, allowing a league-worst 127.8 PPG recently.

Golden State Warriors (Last 10 Games: 6-4, Avg. 120.0 PPG)

Recent Streak: Lost 1.

Key Results:

Jan. 26 @ MIN: L 83-108 (Low-scoring struggle without key players).

Jan. 25 @ MIN (makeup): W 111-85 (Curry 26 PTS, strong defense).

Jan. 19 vs. CHA: W (Cruised past Hornets).

Jan. 13 vs. POR: W 119-97.

Jan. 11 vs. ATL: L 111-124.

Strengths: Top-10 in assists (fifth overall); Curry averaging 27.3 PPG.

Weaknesses: 9-15 road record; Recent losses to sub-.500 teams without Butler.

Utah Jazz (Last 10 Games: 3-7, Avg. 116.4 PPG)

Recent Streak: Lost 2.

Key Results:

Jan. 27 vs. LAC: L 103-115.

Jan. 24 vs. MIA: L 116-147.

Jan. 22 vs. SAS: (Recent home loss).

Jan. 12 @ CLE: W 123-112.

Jan. 10 vs. CHA: L 95-150 (Historic blowout).

Strengths: Markkanen averaging 27.7 PPG; Home scoring potential.

Weaknesses: Allow 127.8 PPG (worst in NBA); 3-7 in last 10 with defensive collapses.

Injury Report

Injuries loom large, with the Warriors missing key contributors and the Jazz dealing with frontcourt issues.

Golden State Warriors:

OUT: Jimmy Butler III (Right ACL Tear).

OUT: Jonathan Kuminga (Left Knee Bone Bruise).

OUT: Seth Curry (Left Sciatic Nerve Irritation).

QUESTIONABLE: LJ Cryer (Left Hamstring Tightness).

PROBABLE: Stephen Curry (Right Patellofemoral Inflammation).

PROBABLE: Draymond Green (Left Low Back Soreness).

PROBABLE: Gary Payton II (Right Calf Contusion).

Utah Jazz:

OUT: Walker Kessler (Left Shoulder).

OUT: Elijah Harkless (G League Two-Way).

QUESTIONABLE: Jusuf Nurkic (Illness).

QUESTIONABLE: Georges Niang (Foot).

PROBABLE: Keyonte George (Rest).

Key

Player Matchups

Warriors: PG Stephen Curry, SG De’Anthony Melton, SF Andrew Wiggins, PF Draymond Green, C Trayce Jackson-Davis.

Jazz: PG Keyonte George, SG Collin Sexton, SF Lauri Markkanen, PF Taylor Hendricks, C (TBD; likely Kalkbrenner or Sensabaugh with Kessler/Nurkic issues).Key Matchups:

Stephen Curry vs. Keyonte George: Curry (27.3 PPG) exploits Jazz’s perimeter defense; averaged 31 PPG in two wins vs. Utah this season.

Lauri Markkanen vs. Draymond Green: Markkanen (27.7 PPG) vs. Green’s versatility; Green’s defense could limit Markkanen’s drives.

De’Anthony Melton vs. Collin Sexton: Melton steps up without Butler; Jazz vulnerable to high-usage guards.

Trayce Jackson-Davis vs. Jazz Frontcourt: With Kessler out, Jackson-Davis could dominate rebounds against undersized lineup.

Series History

The Jazz lead all-time 116-91 in 207 regular-season games.

Recently, Warriors have won 6 of last 10 head-to-head.

This season: Jan. 3: Warriors 123-114 (Curry 31 PTS).  

Nov. 24: Warriors 134-117 (Curry 31 PTS).

Playoffs: Warriors lead 11-6 in 17 games.

Game Odds

Golden State Warriors                   – 8.5

Utah Jazz                                             241.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 27, 2026