The Utah Jazz return to the site of their biggest blowout victory of the season on Thursday night when they take on the host Portland Trail Blazers. Utah wraps up a five-game, cross-country road trip in Portland, where they defeated the Trail Blazers by 42 points — 141-99 — on Dec. 6.
In that game, reserve Johnny Juzang led the Jazz with 22 points, stepping up in the absence of Lauri Markkanen, who was out with a back injury. Walker Kessler also delivered a strong performance, tallying 13 points, 17 rebounds, and five blocks. Utah led by as many as 46 points, causing Portland fans to boo their team on their own court.
After that emphatic victory, the Jazz lost their next three games but come into this rematch having won two of their past three outings. Their only loss during that stretch was a close 124-113 game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where Utah’s big three — Jordan Clarkson (27 points), Markkanen (26 points), and Collin Sexton (24 points) — all played well. The Jazz were within one point in the final minutes before the Cavaliers closed out strong.
Utah had momentum in that game after earning their first back-to-back wins of the season against the Detroit Pistons (126-119) and the Brooklyn Nets (105-94). Kessler continued to be a big force for the Jazz, scoring nine points and adding 16 rebounds, three blocked shots, and three assists against the Cavaliers.
The Trail Blazers are back home after losing two games in Texas — a 114-94 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday and a 132-108 loss to the Dallas Mavericks two days later. Portland has lost eight of its past nine games, with their lone win during that stretch coming at home.
Portland has dropped its past six games and 12 of its past 14 against Dallas. As they return to face the Jazz, they’ll look to break their losing streak and avoid another blowout.
This matchup promises to be an intriguing battle as the Jazz aim to continue their winning ways and the Trail Blazers seek to rebound from their recent struggles.
