The Utah Jazz face a daunting road test against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Western Conference leaders, in a matchup that highlights OKC’s defensive prowess against Utah’s ongoing rebuild struggles. With the Thunder coming off a surprising home loss and the Jazz mired in a three-game road losing streak, this game could see OKC rebound strongly at home, though injuries on both sides add uncertainty. Below is a detailed breakdown of all essential elements.
Venue Location
The game will take place at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This 18,203-capacity arena has been the Thunder’s home since 2021 and remains a fortress, with OKC boasting a 16-3 home record this season.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET. The contest will be broadcast on regional networks, with streaming options available through NBA League Pass.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams enter with recent setbacks, but OKC’s overall efficiency far outpaces Utah’s.
Utah Jazz: The Jazz are 2-8 in their last 10 games, averaging 121.1 points per game but struggling defensively (allowing 128.4 PPG in that span). They recently fell 135-127 to the Golden State Warriors on January 3, dropping their road record to 4-13. Key issues include poor three-point defense (opponents shoot 39.2%) and a -7.3 net rating, though they’ve shown offensive flashes with 56% on two-pointers.
Oklahoma City Thunder: The Thunder are 8-2 in their last 10 games but suffered a stunning 124-97 home upset to the Charlotte Hornets on January 5. They average 118.2 points (8th in NBA) with elite defense (104.6 allowed, 1st) and a +13.6 net rating. Rebounding (46.1 RPG, 4th) and steals (9.8 SPG, 2nd) fuel their success, though the Hornets loss exposed rare vulnerabilities in three-point shooting (31.4% in defeat).
| Team | Last 10 Games | Last Game Result | Key Stat from Recent Form |
| Utah Jazz | 2-8 | L 135-127 @ GSW (Jan 3) | 4-13 road record; OVER in 8 of last 10 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 8-2 | L 124-97 vs. CHA (Jan 5) | 16-3 home; 1st in defensive rating |
Injury Report
Injuries could play a pivotal role, with OKC missing key contributors in the frontcourt and backcourt.
Utah Jazz:
Ace Bailey (G/F): Questionable (left hip flexor) – Rookie scorer; impacts bench scoring if out.
John Tonje (F): Out (G League two-way) – Minimal impact.
Two additional players listed as injured (details pending confirmation; total four on report).
Oklahoma City Thunder:
Alex Caruso (G): Out (left hip contusion) – Defensive anchor (1.8 SPG); major loss for perimeter D.
Isaiah Hartenstein (C): Out (left hand fracture) – Rebounding and paint presence hit (9.2 RPG).
Jaylin Williams (F): Out (right hamstring strain) – Spacing big; affects bench depth.
Brooks Barnhizer (F): Game-time decision (undisclosed) – Adds versatility if available.
Total six players on the report.
Monitor updates close to tip-off for GTD statuses.
Player Matchups
Without Caruso and Hartenstein, OKC’s depth will be tested, but their stars should shine against Utah’s weaker defense.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) vs. Keyonte George (UTA): SGA leads the league with 31.2 PPG and 6.4 APG, exploiting mismatches with his mid-range game. George (14.8 PPG) must contain him, but Utah’s 25th-ranked defense allows 50.2 paint points.
Chet Holmgren (OKC) vs. Lauri Markkanen (UTA): Holmgren (18.4 PPG, 2.6 BPG) anchors OKC’s top defense, facing Markkanen (22.1 PPG, 8.4 RPG), who’s hot from deep (41% 3PT). This frontcourt battle could decide rebounding (OKC +4.2 RPG edge).
Jalen Williams (OKC) vs. Collin Sexton (UTA): Williams (21.6 PPG) provides secondary scoring, against Sexton (17.2 PPG, 4.1 APG), who could push the pace but struggles vs. OKC’s length.
Luguentz Dort (OKC) vs. Taylor Hendricks (UTA): Dort’s defense (1.4 SPG) locks down wings, testing Hendricks’ efficiency (45% FG).
Bench: OKC’s Cason Wallace vs. Utah’s Jordan Clarkson for spark.
Series History
The Thunder dominate the all-time series, leading 124-88 in 212 regular-season games. In the last 10 meetings, OKC is 7-3 SU, with games averaging 228.4 points. Recent results include OKC’s 131-101 win over Utah on December 7, 2025, where they shot 52% FG. Utah has won just one of the last five in OKC, often outrebounded (41.8 vs. 44.2 RPG).
Betting Trends
Utah: 15-20 ATS overall (6-11 ATS road); OVER in 8 of last 10; 9-22 SU as underdogs; 1-4 ATS in last 5 vs. OKC.
OKC: 24-13 ATS overall (14-5 ATS home); UNDER in 6 of last 10 vs. Utah; 29-5 SU when favored; 7-3 ATS in last 10 H2H.
| Category | Utah | OKC |
| ATS Overall | 15-20 | 24-13 |
| ATS Last 10 | 3-7 | 7-3 |
| O/U Overall | 20-15 | 18-19 |
| O/U Last 10 | 8-2 | 5-5 |
Game Odds
Utah Jazz 241.5
Oklahoma City Thunder – 18.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 6, 2026
