Game Preview
The Portland Trail Blazers (8-14) are set to host the struggling Utah Jazz (4-17) on Friday night. The Blazers have dropped their last two contests but remain above .500 at home this season with a 6-5 record. Meanwhile, the Jazz are mired in a five-game skid and have won just one of their last 10 games.
Offensively, Portland has been far more potent, averaging 107.1 points per game compared to Utah's 108.2-point season average. However, the Blazers' defense has been suspect, surrendering 115.3 points per contest, nearly three points more than the Jazz's 118.6 points allowed.
Over their last five games, the Blazers have scored 112.6 points per outing while allowing a whopping 122.8 – a defensive lapse that has undoubtedly contributed to their 1-4 record during that stretch. Conversely, the Jazz have mustered just 104.4 points over their current five-game slide while yielding 118.8 points on the defensive end.
From beyond the arc, Portland has been the slightly more efficient long-range shooting team at 34.1% compared to Utah's 34.7% clip. The Blazers have also been superior at the charity stripe, converting 76.9% of their free throws to the Jazz's 78.7% mark.
Rebounding and ball movement could prove pivotal factors. The Trail Blazers have been outrebounding opponents by nearly 43-41 on the season, while the Jazz have grabbed just over 44 boards per game. Portland's 22.3 assists narrowly edge Utah's 24.1 dimes, but the Blazers have been far more turnover-prone at 16.3 giveaways compared to the Jazz's 17.5 turnovers.
Recent form suggests the Blazers have an edge at home against the reeling Jazz, but Utah has shown an ability to keep games competitive despite their struggles. With both teams looking to turn their seasons around, this divisional matchup could come down to which squad can impose its will on the glass and take better care of the basketball.