The Utah Jazz (12-22, 13th in Western Conference) face the Portland Trail Blazers (16-20, 10th in Western Conference) in a Northwest Division matchup as both teams battle for improved positioning amid inconsistent seasons. The Jazz, struggling with injuries and a poor road record, seek to snap a potential skid against a Blazers squad coming off a gritty win but dealing with their own absences. This game could hinge on interior play and perimeter defense, with Portland’s home advantage clashing against Utah’s rebounding strength.
Venue Location
Moda Center, Portland, Oregon. This 19,393-capacity arena has been the Trail Blazers’ home since 1995, known for its passionate “Rip City” fans and modern upgrades.
Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT). The game will be broadcast on KUNP, KJZZ, Jazz+, and available on NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Injuries are a major factor for both teams, potentially limiting star power and depth in the frontcourt.
Utah Jazz: Forward Lauri Markkanen is questionable with an undisclosed issue, potentially sidelining the team’s leading scorer. Center Jusuf Nurkic is out with a toe injury, impacting rebounding and interior defense. Guard Keyonte George is questionable, which could strain backcourt playmaking if he sits. Forward Taylor Hendricks is available but has been limited by minor ailments. These absences force reliance on players like Walker Kessler and Alfonzo Bailey for increased minutes.
Portland Trail Blazers: Forward Jerami Grant is out with an Achilles injury, expected to miss at least until January 5, a big blow to scoring and defense. Center Robert Williams III is day-to-day with knee injury management and was ruled out for January 3, making his status questionable. Guard Matisse Thybulle is out with an ankle injury, affecting perimeter defense. Guard Scoot Henderson and forward Jrue Holiday are monitoring injuries but appear available based on recent updates. Portland may lean on Kris Murray and backups for frontcourt depth.
Player Matchups
This divisional tilt features contrasts between Utah’s youth and Portland’s veteran grit, with injuries adding uncertainty to key battles.
Lauri Markkanen (Utah) vs. Toumani Camara (Portland): If Markkanen plays, his outside shooting and scoring (averaging 20+ PPG) will test Camara’s defensive length, especially with Grant out. Camara’s physicality could limit Markkanen’s drives.
Keyonte George (Utah) vs. Anfernee Simons (Portland): George’s playmaking meets Simons’ explosive scoring (recent 20+ point games). If George is out, Utah’s backcourt suffers against Simons’ quickness in transition.
Walker Kessler (Utah) vs. Deandre Ayton (Portland): Kessler’s rim protection and rebounding clash with Ayton’s post presence. This interior matchup could control the paint, especially if Nurkic and Williams are sidelined.
Alfonzo Bailey (Utah) vs. RJ Barrett (Portland): Bailey’s energy on the wing faces Barrett’s scoring volume, potentially deciding secondary scoring and fast-break opportunities.
Goaltending isn’t applicable, but bench depth will be crucial with injuries forcing adjustments.
Utah is 5-12 on the road, while Portland holds a 9-8 home record.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have been inconsistent, but Portland shows slight improvement at home.
Utah Jazz: The Jazz are 3-7 in their last 10 games, averaging 123.4 PPG but struggling defensively (allowing high scores in losses). They lost 101-118 to the LA Clippers on January 1, highlighting rebounding issues without Nurkic. Utah’s three-point shooting has been solid, but road form is poor (5-12), with unders hitting in 6 of their last 10 games.
Portland Trail Blazers: The Blazers are 6-4 in their last 10 games, showing offensive efficiency (averaging 114+ PPG in wins). They won 115-110 against the San Antonio Spurs on January 3, led by strong perimeter play, but lost prior games due to defensive lapses. Portland’s home games trend toward overs (7 of last 10 exceed the total), and they’ve been 4-1 SU in their last five overall.
Series History
The Jazz hold a strong all-time edge at 116-96 in 212 regular-season games against the Blazers, with a + positive goal differential. In the last 10 meetings, Utah is 6-4, but Portland won the most recent on October 29, 2025 (136-134). Games often feature high totals, with overs hitting in 6 of the last 10, and recent contests decided by close margins (five by single digits).
Betting Trends
Utah Jazz Trends: 15-19 ATS overall, with a 17-17 O/U record. They’ve failed to cover in 5 of their last 7 road games and are 1-5 SU in their last 6 overall. Jazz games trend over against Northwest foes (55% exceed the total), but unders have hit in 4 of their last 6 vs. Portland.
Portland Trail Blazers Trends: 18-18 ATS, with overs in 20 of 36 games. They’re 4-1 SU in their last 5 and 4-1 ATS at home as favorites. Blazers have covered in 6 of their last 10 vs. Utah, with home games trending under amid injury-limited offense.
Game Odds
Utah Jazz 241.5
Portland Trail Blazers – 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, January 4, 2026
