The Portland Trail Blazers are favorites to win against the Utah Jazz on Friday night.

It is certainly an unusual event. But not unexpected. The Jazz (4-17) are not good.

Utah ranks 26th in offensive rating (108.8) and 29th in defensive rating (119.0), for a net rating of minus-10.3 (28th). The Blazers are minus-8.1 (27th).

However, the Jazz rank sixth in offensive rebounding percentage (32.8%). Defensive rebounding is a weak point for the Blazers, who rank last in defensive rebounding percentage (65.6%).

The Jazz have lost five games in a row. Their biggest problem was Lauri Markkanen’s poor shooting. He appeared in four of those recent losses and shot 38.7% from the field and 23.5% from three-point range while averaging 17.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

Forecast: The Blazers got this. The Jazz appear to be very interested in signing Duke rookie Cooper Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Blazers want the same thing, but have played their way so far to get a realistic shot. Teams like the Jazz and Washington (2-17) are off to better starts toward the bottom.

BLAZER FOCUSED PODCAST

Be sure to check out the latest episode of the Blazer Focused podcast with Craig Birnbach. We reviewed the first quarter of the season.

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PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS VS. UTAH JAZZ

What: Trail Blazers (8-14) vs. Jazz (4-17), 7 p.m., Friday.

Where: Moda Center.

Radio: Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM).

TV channels: KATU Charge (Antenna: 2.2 in Portland. Comcast: 302 and 1170. DirecTV: 688-1. Dish: Available January 1).

b>How to watch: Rip City TV Network. If you don’t have cable, you can still watch this game live for FREE using an HDTV antenna at your local ABC affiliate (2.2 fee in Portland). These antennas are very easy to install and cost around $20. You can purchase one at your local Bi-Mart or Fred Meyer, or purchase one online at Walmart or Amazon and have it shipped quickly to your home. Here are some instructions for setting up an HDTV antenna on your TV or other display. You can find out more about which channel Rip City TV Network is on near you using the channel finder here.

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OPPORTUNITIES (Oregon Lottery/DraftKings)

Money line: POR-142 | UTA +125

Spread: POR -2.5 | Over/Under: 225.5

INJURIES

Blazer: Scoot Henderson (left quadriceps contusion) is questionable. Donovan Clingan (left knee sprain), Matisse Thybulle (Right ankle sprain) and Robert Williams III (Concussion protocol) is available.

Jazz: Jordan Clarkson (left plantar fasciitis) and Taylor Hendricks (right fibula fracture) are excluded.

Next

The Blazers play at the Los Angeles Lakers (12-10) on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.