The Utah Jazz host the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, January 5, with tipoff set for 9:00 p.m. ET at Moda Center. Both teams enter the matchup dealing with significant injury concerns that could heavily influence rotations and game flow.
Utah holds a 12-22 record and arrives on a three-game losing streak. The Jazz most recently fell 123-114 to Golden State on January 3 after also dropping a 129-119 loss against Boston on December 30.
Portland stands at 16-20 and carries momentum into the rematch. The Trail Blazers are riding a two-game winning streak following road victories over San Antonio and New Orleans earlier this week.
The Jazz injury report remains lengthy, particularly in the frontcourt. Walker Kessler is ruled out as he continues recovering from a left shoulder injury. Jusuf Nurkic is listed as questionable with a sprain to his left first metatarsophalangeal joint. Rookie Ace Bailey is also questionable due to a left hip flexor strain, while Georges Niang remains out with a left foot stress reaction. Kevin Love is sidelined for rest.
Utah continues to rely heavily on Lauri Markkanen, who averages 27.9 points and 6.9 rebounds while shooting over 47 percent from the field. Keyonte George provides backcourt production with 24.5 points and 6.9 assists per game.
Portland’s injury situation is equally notable, especially in the backcourt. Damian Lillard is out due to left Achilles injury management, while Scoot Henderson remains sidelined with a left hamstring tear. Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant are both ruled out with calf and Achilles issues, respectively. Robert Williams III is listed as questionable with left knee injury management.
Even with the injuries, Portland has leaned on Deni Avdija, who leads the team with 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game. Shaedon Sharpe adds 21.3 points, while rookie center Donovan Clingan averages 10.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks.
The teams have met once this season, with Portland earning a 136-134 win on October 29.
