76ers Look To Bounce Back At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers play host to he Memphis Grizzlies at Wells Fargo Center on Friday evening.
This marks the second game of a a back-to-back for the 76ers (31-21), as they coming off a loss in Milwaukee on Thursday night. Joel Embiid struggled from the field, shooting just 2-of-15 in the first half but finished with game with 19 points on 6-of-26 shooting, in 33 minutes of action. Tobias Harris led the Sixers with 25 points, while Ben Simmons totaled 11 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists, in the loss. The loss marks the end of a four-game road trip for the 76ers, where they went winless. They look to turn their fortunes, as they return home for the first game of a four-game home stand. The 76ers have won eight straight game at home, where they have a 22-2 record. Josh Richardson (hamstring) missed Thursday's contest and remains questionable for action on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies (26-25) have won seven of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. This marks their second game of a three-game road trip, as they look to build on their 11-12 road record. The Grizzlies average 113.3 points per game, which is eighth most in the league, but they are giving up an average of 114.9 points against, which is sixth most in the league. They average a league-best 27.6 assists per game, along with 8.0 steals and 5.7 blocks per game. Ja Morant continues to impress, as he is averaging 15.4 points, 7.2 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals, over the last 10 games. Dillon Brooks is also playing well, averaging 19.9 points on 46.7 percent shooting from long range, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists, over the last 10 games. Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging 16.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocks, over the last 10 games. Jonas Valanciunas (ankle) is listed as questionable for action on Friday.
This marks the second game of a a back-to-back for the 76ers (31-21), as they coming off a loss in Milwaukee on Thursday night. Joel Embiid struggled from the field, shooting just 2-of-15 in the first half but finished with game with 19 points on 6-of-26 shooting, in 33 minutes of action. Tobias Harris led the Sixers with 25 points, while Ben Simmons totaled 11 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists, in the loss. The loss marks the end of a four-game road trip for the 76ers, where they went winless. They look to turn their fortunes, as they return home for the first game of a four-game home stand. The 76ers have won eight straight game at home, where they have a 22-2 record. Josh Richardson (hamstring) missed Thursday's contest and remains questionable for action on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies (26-25) have won seven of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. This marks their second game of a three-game road trip, as they look to build on their 11-12 road record. The Grizzlies average 113.3 points per game, which is eighth most in the league, but they are giving up an average of 114.9 points against, which is sixth most in the league. They average a league-best 27.6 assists per game, along with 8.0 steals and 5.7 blocks per game. Ja Morant continues to impress, as he is averaging 15.4 points, 7.2 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals, over the last 10 games. Dillon Brooks is also playing well, averaging 19.9 points on 46.7 percent shooting from long range, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists, over the last 10 games. Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging 16.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocks, over the last 10 games. Jonas Valanciunas (ankle) is listed as questionable for action on Friday.
Wizards Look To Build On Home Stand
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards play host to the Dallas Mavericks at Capital One Arena on Friday evening.
The Wizards (17-32) made a couple moves at Thursday's trade deadline, as they parted ways is guards, Isaiah Thomas and Jordan McRae, and they acquired guard, Shabazz Napier, who is averaging career highs so far, with 9.6 points and 5.2 assists, in 32 games this season. This marks the fourth game of a six-game home stand for the Wizards, where they have gone 2-1 and look to keep working on their 11-12 home record. Bradley Beal leads the Wizards with 29.2 points, 6.3 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. Davis Bertans continues to play well for Washington, as he is averaging 13.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.1 steals, over the last 10 games. Rui Hachimura finished with 11 points and eight rebounds, in 26 minutes of action, in the Wizards' most recent contest, which marked his first game back from over a long absence.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks (31-20) are 5-5 in their last 10 games and coming off a home loss in their most recent contest. This marks their first game of a two-game road trip, as they look to build off a win in their last road game, and their impressive 17-7 road record. Kristaps Porzingis (nose) is questionable for action, while Luka Doncic (ankle) will remain out through Friday's contest. Tim Hardaway Jr. is averaging 14.9 points, while shooting 43.9 percent from long range, over the last 10 games. Dorian Finney-Smith continues to give a strong effort, averaging 9.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists, in 30 minus per game, over the last 10 games. Jalen Brunson has been playing well lately, averaging 12.5 points on 49.5 percent shooting, 3.2 assists and 2.6 rebounds, over the last 10 games. .
The Wizards (17-32) made a couple moves at Thursday's trade deadline, as they parted ways is guards, Isaiah Thomas and Jordan McRae, and they acquired guard, Shabazz Napier, who is averaging career highs so far, with 9.6 points and 5.2 assists, in 32 games this season. This marks the fourth game of a six-game home stand for the Wizards, where they have gone 2-1 and look to keep working on their 11-12 home record. Bradley Beal leads the Wizards with 29.2 points, 6.3 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. Davis Bertans continues to play well for Washington, as he is averaging 13.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.1 steals, over the last 10 games. Rui Hachimura finished with 11 points and eight rebounds, in 26 minutes of action, in the Wizards' most recent contest, which marked his first game back from over a long absence.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks (31-20) are 5-5 in their last 10 games and coming off a home loss in their most recent contest. This marks their first game of a two-game road trip, as they look to build off a win in their last road game, and their impressive 17-7 road record. Kristaps Porzingis (nose) is questionable for action, while Luka Doncic (ankle) will remain out through Friday's contest. Tim Hardaway Jr. is averaging 14.9 points, while shooting 43.9 percent from long range, over the last 10 games. Dorian Finney-Smith continues to give a strong effort, averaging 9.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists, in 30 minus per game, over the last 10 games. Jalen Brunson has been playing well lately, averaging 12.5 points on 49.5 percent shooting, 3.2 assists and 2.6 rebounds, over the last 10 games. .
Celtics Look To Build On Five Game Winning Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics play host to the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on Friday evening.
The Celtics (35-15) have won eight of their last 10 games, including their last five in a row. This marks their second game of a two-game home stand, as they look to build on a five-game winning streak at home and build on their 21-5 home record. Kemba Walker leads the Celtics with 22.0 points and 5.0 assists per game. Jayson Tatum is averaging 21.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Jaylen Brown (ankle) and Gordon Hayward (foot) are both listed as questionable for action on Friday. The Celtics average 112.7 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 105.4 points per game, which is second fewest in the league. They average 8.4 steals per game, which is tied for fourth most in the league and they give up an average of 13.1 turnovers per game.
Meanwhile, the Hawks (14-38) have dropped six of their last 10 games, but they are coming off a road win in their most recent contest. This marks their second game of a two-game road trip, as they look to keep working on their 6-21 road record. The Hawks traded for Clint Capela at the trade deadline on Thursday, but he will remain sidelined with an ankle injury. Trae Young (ankle) is probable for action on Friday. Young averages team highs of 29.3 points and 9.0 assists per game. John Collins has been playing great, as he is averaging 23.4 points, 11.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks, over the last 10 games. The Hawks average 109.5 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 118.3 points against, which is second worst in the league. They are giving up a league-worst 16.2 turnovers per game, and they are shooting 32.5 percent from long range, which is tied for worst in the league.
The Celtics (35-15) have won eight of their last 10 games, including their last five in a row. This marks their second game of a two-game home stand, as they look to build on a five-game winning streak at home and build on their 21-5 home record. Kemba Walker leads the Celtics with 22.0 points and 5.0 assists per game. Jayson Tatum is averaging 21.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Jaylen Brown (ankle) and Gordon Hayward (foot) are both listed as questionable for action on Friday. The Celtics average 112.7 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 105.4 points per game, which is second fewest in the league. They average 8.4 steals per game, which is tied for fourth most in the league and they give up an average of 13.1 turnovers per game.
Meanwhile, the Hawks (14-38) have dropped six of their last 10 games, but they are coming off a road win in their most recent contest. This marks their second game of a two-game road trip, as they look to keep working on their 6-21 road record. The Hawks traded for Clint Capela at the trade deadline on Thursday, but he will remain sidelined with an ankle injury. Trae Young (ankle) is probable for action on Friday. Young averages team highs of 29.3 points and 9.0 assists per game. John Collins has been playing great, as he is averaging 23.4 points, 11.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks, over the last 10 games. The Hawks average 109.5 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 118.3 points against, which is second worst in the league. They are giving up a league-worst 16.2 turnovers per game, and they are shooting 32.5 percent from long range, which is tied for worst in the league.
Pacers Host Raptors on Friday
The Indiana Pacers play host to the Toronto Raptors at Banker's Life Fieldhouse on Friday.
The Raptors (37-14) enter this matchup in the midst of an NBA-best 12-game winning streak, grabbing a game-winner from Serge Ibaka on Wednesday to down these Pacers. That was actually one of their only close games in this span, handing opponents beatdowns night-after-night. The amazing thing about this club is the fact that they continue to battle adversity. Losing Kawhi Leonard in the offseason was obviously a huge deficit but they're actually on track for a better record this season. That doesn't even take into consideration lengthy absences from Marc Gasol, Norman Powell, Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet as well. That's pretty much every valuable player in the rotation and it says a lot about this team that they've been able to hold their heads above water despite all of those guys missing at least two weeks of action.
The Pacers (31-20) come into this matchup losing three-straight and four of their last five in total. That's easily one of the worst stretches in what's been a stellar season and it directly correlates with Victor Oladipo rejoining the team. The superstar shooting guard made his return from a severe leg injury and early results certainly aren't promising. In fact, Oladipo is averaging just 9.5 points, 1.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists on 25 percent from the field and 19 percent from three-point range. That's obviously a major reason why they've struggled since his return but they need to get him fully back if they want to be a true threat come playoff time.
These teams have split their two meetings this season, with both being decided by five points or fewer. Prior to that, Toronto won five of their previous six games over Indiana.
The Raptors (37-14) enter this matchup in the midst of an NBA-best 12-game winning streak, grabbing a game-winner from Serge Ibaka on Wednesday to down these Pacers. That was actually one of their only close games in this span, handing opponents beatdowns night-after-night. The amazing thing about this club is the fact that they continue to battle adversity. Losing Kawhi Leonard in the offseason was obviously a huge deficit but they're actually on track for a better record this season. That doesn't even take into consideration lengthy absences from Marc Gasol, Norman Powell, Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet as well. That's pretty much every valuable player in the rotation and it says a lot about this team that they've been able to hold their heads above water despite all of those guys missing at least two weeks of action.
The Pacers (31-20) come into this matchup losing three-straight and four of their last five in total. That's easily one of the worst stretches in what's been a stellar season and it directly correlates with Victor Oladipo rejoining the team. The superstar shooting guard made his return from a severe leg injury and early results certainly aren't promising. In fact, Oladipo is averaging just 9.5 points, 1.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists on 25 percent from the field and 19 percent from three-point range. That's obviously a major reason why they've struggled since his return but they need to get him fully back if they want to be a true threat come playoff time.
These teams have split their two meetings this season, with both being decided by five points or fewer. Prior to that, Toronto won five of their previous six games over Indiana.
Thunder Host Pistons on Friday
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Detroit Pistons at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Friday.
The Pistons (19-34) are the team that everyone is talking about after the trade deadline. What's unfortunate about that is that all the talk surrounding them is negative. The reason for that is because they sent Andre Drummond to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for John Henson, Brandon Knight and a second-round pick. It's hard to imagine Henson or Knight garnering a big roles and its not like a second-round pick is anything special either. That haul for a guy who's averaging 17.8 points and 15.8 rebounds per game is truly bizarre and one has to wonder exactly what the Pistons were thinking. In any case, it will boost Christian Wood into an expansive role and that's big news with the impressive per-36 numbers he has. They also decided to keep Derrick Rose and that's yet another thing that's hard to understand.
The Thunder (31-20) also made a small splash at the trade deadline, reportedly sending Danilo Gallinari to the Miami Heat. Fortunately for the Thunder, that deal fell through because of some contract disputes and Gallinari's 20 points per game will remain in Oklahoma City. Fans have to be ecstatic about that because this team has been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA. That's evident when you see that they enter this matchup winning eight of their last nine games, putting serious space between them and the eight-seeded Memphis Grizzlies. Many people thought this organization was in the midst of a rebuild but they appear to be a contender with a core of Gallinari., Chris Paul and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Oklahoma City swept their two-game season series over Detroit last season, giving them three-straight wins over the Pistons in total.
The Pistons (19-34) are the team that everyone is talking about after the trade deadline. What's unfortunate about that is that all the talk surrounding them is negative. The reason for that is because they sent Andre Drummond to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for John Henson, Brandon Knight and a second-round pick. It's hard to imagine Henson or Knight garnering a big roles and its not like a second-round pick is anything special either. That haul for a guy who's averaging 17.8 points and 15.8 rebounds per game is truly bizarre and one has to wonder exactly what the Pistons were thinking. In any case, it will boost Christian Wood into an expansive role and that's big news with the impressive per-36 numbers he has. They also decided to keep Derrick Rose and that's yet another thing that's hard to understand.
The Thunder (31-20) also made a small splash at the trade deadline, reportedly sending Danilo Gallinari to the Miami Heat. Fortunately for the Thunder, that deal fell through because of some contract disputes and Gallinari's 20 points per game will remain in Oklahoma City. Fans have to be ecstatic about that because this team has been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA. That's evident when you see that they enter this matchup winning eight of their last nine games, putting serious space between them and the eight-seeded Memphis Grizzlies. Many people thought this organization was in the midst of a rebuild but they appear to be a contender with a core of Gallinari., Chris Paul and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Oklahoma City swept their two-game season series over Detroit last season, giving them three-straight wins over the Pistons in total.
Suns Host Rockets on Friday
The Houston Rockets travel to Arizona to face the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Friday.
The Rockets (33-18) are trying to re-define what small-ball means in the NBA. That's evident when you see that they shipped off Clint Capela at the trade deadline, getting Robert Covington for him in a crazy four-team trade. While adding Covington as a three-and-D guy is obviously a huge boost for a club that fires up three-pointers at will, it leaves them with no centers. In fact, they're projected to start a 6'6" P.J. Tucker at center from here on out. While he is one of the best defenders in the league, that's leaving his hands full having to face guys like Nikola Jokic and Anthony Davis in the playoffs. That means James Harden and Russell Westbrook will really have to step up their games and it'll be fascinating to see what they look like over the final few months with such a unique style of play.
The Suns (20-31) enter this matchup in the midst of a four-game losing streak. That had a lot of people talking about them making some moves on Thursday's trade deadline but they stayed pat with their young core. A team with Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Kelly Oubre Jr and Ricky Rubio is plenty good to achieve the eight-seed in the west but they just keep falling farther and farther away from that goal. That makes it yet another lost season for this disappointing organization and it's a wonder how much longer Booker wants to hang around with the constant struggles of this franchise. In any case, this is a talented enough team to play spoiler over the final two months and it's sad that its come to that yet again.
These teams have played twice this season, with Houston winning both outings. That actually gives the Rockets 13-straight wins over the Suns in total dating back to December 2016. In addition, Houston has also won 20 of their last 22 games over them in total dating back to 2013.
The Rockets (33-18) are trying to re-define what small-ball means in the NBA. That's evident when you see that they shipped off Clint Capela at the trade deadline, getting Robert Covington for him in a crazy four-team trade. While adding Covington as a three-and-D guy is obviously a huge boost for a club that fires up three-pointers at will, it leaves them with no centers. In fact, they're projected to start a 6'6" P.J. Tucker at center from here on out. While he is one of the best defenders in the league, that's leaving his hands full having to face guys like Nikola Jokic and Anthony Davis in the playoffs. That means James Harden and Russell Westbrook will really have to step up their games and it'll be fascinating to see what they look like over the final few months with such a unique style of play.
The Suns (20-31) enter this matchup in the midst of a four-game losing streak. That had a lot of people talking about them making some moves on Thursday's trade deadline but they stayed pat with their young core. A team with Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Kelly Oubre Jr and Ricky Rubio is plenty good to achieve the eight-seed in the west but they just keep falling farther and farther away from that goal. That makes it yet another lost season for this disappointing organization and it's a wonder how much longer Booker wants to hang around with the constant struggles of this franchise. In any case, this is a talented enough team to play spoiler over the final two months and it's sad that its come to that yet again.
These teams have played twice this season, with Houston winning both outings. That actually gives the Rockets 13-straight wins over the Suns in total dating back to December 2016. In addition, Houston has also won 20 of their last 22 games over them in total dating back to 2013.
Heat and Kings Meet in Interconference Clash
The Miami Heat takes on the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on Friday night.
The Heat (34-16) were very busy at the trade deadline, and they've also been frequent visitors to the win column of late. Miami checks into Friday's contest with a 5-3 mark over its last eight games. However, their most recent time on the court resulted in one of those three defeats, as they dropped a 128-111 decision to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Derrick Jones, Jr. paced the Heat with 25 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Bam Adebayo generated a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included six assists and two steals. Kendrick Nunn and Goran Dragic provided matching 13-point tallies while dishing out six and five assists, respectively. Jimmy Butler and Duncan Robinson had 11 points and five rebounds apiece.
The Heat will be without Tyler Herro (foot), Andre Iguodala (trade acquisition), Jae Crowder (trade acquisition), Solomon Hill (trade acquisition) and Meyers Leonard (ankle) for Friday's game. Butler (shoulder) will be listed as doubtful.
The Kings (19-31) are in the midst of a relatively forgettable season, but they've enjoyed a rare taste of semi-extended success recently. Sacramento, which made some frontcourt acquisitions at the trade deadline, checks into Friday's game with a 4-2 mark over the last six contests. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Minnesota Timberwolves, which they edged by a 113-109 score Monday night. De'Aaron Fox paced the Kings with 31 points, complementing them with five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic followed with 23 points, three assists and two rebounds. Buddy Hield totaled 16 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Harrison Barnes posted 14 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Nemanja Bjelica delivered 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
The Kings will be without Marvin Bagley (foot) for Friday's game. Alex Len (hip/trade acquisition) and Jabari Parker (shoulder/trade acquisition) are both unlikely to play as well.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Heat holds a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 118-113 overtime win Jan. 20.
The Heat (34-16) were very busy at the trade deadline, and they've also been frequent visitors to the win column of late. Miami checks into Friday's contest with a 5-3 mark over its last eight games. However, their most recent time on the court resulted in one of those three defeats, as they dropped a 128-111 decision to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Derrick Jones, Jr. paced the Heat with 25 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Bam Adebayo generated a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included six assists and two steals. Kendrick Nunn and Goran Dragic provided matching 13-point tallies while dishing out six and five assists, respectively. Jimmy Butler and Duncan Robinson had 11 points and five rebounds apiece.
The Heat will be without Tyler Herro (foot), Andre Iguodala (trade acquisition), Jae Crowder (trade acquisition), Solomon Hill (trade acquisition) and Meyers Leonard (ankle) for Friday's game. Butler (shoulder) will be listed as doubtful.
The Kings (19-31) are in the midst of a relatively forgettable season, but they've enjoyed a rare taste of semi-extended success recently. Sacramento, which made some frontcourt acquisitions at the trade deadline, checks into Friday's game with a 4-2 mark over the last six contests. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Minnesota Timberwolves, which they edged by a 113-109 score Monday night. De'Aaron Fox paced the Kings with 31 points, complementing them with five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic followed with 23 points, three assists and two rebounds. Buddy Hield totaled 16 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Harrison Barnes posted 14 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Nemanja Bjelica delivered 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
The Kings will be without Marvin Bagley (foot) for Friday's game. Alex Len (hip/trade acquisition) and Jabari Parker (shoulder/trade acquisition) are both unlikely to play as well.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Heat holds a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 118-113 overtime win Jan. 20.
Trail Blazers and Jazz Face Off in Utah
The Portland Trail Blazers take on the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Friday night.
The Trail Blazers (24-28) arguably qualify as one of the Western Conference's bigger disappointments this season, but they check into Friday's contest with an impressive 6-2 mark over their last eight games. Their most recent success unfolded Thursday night, when they toppled the San Antonio Spurs by a 125-117 score. Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 26 points and also dished out 10 assists and posted two rebounds. Carmelo Anthony delivered 20 points, eight boards and four assists. C.J. McCollum furnished 19 points, six assists, three rebounds and one block. Gary Trent, Jr. totaled 18 points, four assists and one block. Hassan Whiteside generated a 17-point, 23-rebound double-double that also included one assist, four blocks and one steal. Anfernee Simons collected 10 points.
The Trail Blazers will likely list Nassir Little (ankle) as questionable at best for Friday's game, while Jusuf Nurkic (leg) and Jake Layman (shoulder) will remain out.
The Jazz (32-18) come into Friday's contest in an unfamiliar position, as they're mired in a season-long five-game losing streak. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they dropped a 98-95 decision to the Denver Nuggets. Mike Conley led the way for Utah with 21 points, adding eight rebounds, five assists and one steal. Donovan Mitchell delivered 18 points, eight boards and one assist. Rudy Gobert generated a 16-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included one block. Bojan Bogdanovic and Jordan Clarkson generated matching 16-point tallies, with Bogdanovic also pulling down five rebounds and dishing out five assists.
The Jazz will come into Friday's game without any injuries to report.
Friday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The season series is split 1-1, with the Jazz notching a 121-115 win Dec. 26 and the Trail Blazers managing a 124-107 victory Feb. 1.
The Trail Blazers (24-28) arguably qualify as one of the Western Conference's bigger disappointments this season, but they check into Friday's contest with an impressive 6-2 mark over their last eight games. Their most recent success unfolded Thursday night, when they toppled the San Antonio Spurs by a 125-117 score. Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 26 points and also dished out 10 assists and posted two rebounds. Carmelo Anthony delivered 20 points, eight boards and four assists. C.J. McCollum furnished 19 points, six assists, three rebounds and one block. Gary Trent, Jr. totaled 18 points, four assists and one block. Hassan Whiteside generated a 17-point, 23-rebound double-double that also included one assist, four blocks and one steal. Anfernee Simons collected 10 points.
The Trail Blazers will likely list Nassir Little (ankle) as questionable at best for Friday's game, while Jusuf Nurkic (leg) and Jake Layman (shoulder) will remain out.
The Jazz (32-18) come into Friday's contest in an unfamiliar position, as they're mired in a season-long five-game losing streak. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they dropped a 98-95 decision to the Denver Nuggets. Mike Conley led the way for Utah with 21 points, adding eight rebounds, five assists and one steal. Donovan Mitchell delivered 18 points, eight boards and one assist. Rudy Gobert generated a 16-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included one block. Bojan Bogdanovic and Jordan Clarkson generated matching 16-point tallies, with Bogdanovic also pulling down five rebounds and dishing out five assists.
The Jazz will come into Friday's game without any injuries to report.
Friday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The season series is split 1-1, with the Jazz notching a 121-115 win Dec. 26 and the Trail Blazers managing a 124-107 victory Feb. 1.