NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Game Picks 
Top Handicapper 
Jazz, Blazers Search for Positives as They Wind Down Seasons
With no playoff berths to fight for, just pride and player development on the line, the Utah Jazz will host the Portland Trail Blazers in Salt Lake City on Wednesday night. The focus: ending a tough year on a high note and looking ahead to brighter futures.
No Postseason — But Not Without Progress
Both teams are officially eliminated from the 2025 NBA Playoffs. For Utah (16-63), that reality set in months ago. Portland (35-44) made things interesting late, but saw their faint hopes crushed when the Sacramento Kings locked up a play-in spot with a win over Cleveland on Sunday.
Thanks to Sacramento’s clinch and Dallas holding the head-to-head tiebreaker, the Blazers’ postseason path was sealed shut despite a gutsy push.
But the tone inside the Blazers’ locker room? Surprisingly upbeat.
“We didn’t really have too much of an expectation when we started the season,” said Toumani Camara, who posted 23 points and 10 rebounds in Sunday’s win over the Spurs. “We’re down a lot of people right now, so we’re just trying to stack wins and get better every day.”
Camara and the Blazers are focusing on player growth and culture — a move that could pay off big as they reload for 2025-26. You can track their progress and projections at the NBA Picks & Betting Page.
From Rock Bottom to Rebuild
Coach Chauncey Billups acknowledged the highs and lows of the journey. The Blazers were 13-28 at midseason but bounced back with a 10-of-11 win streak that thrust them back into the conversation. Though they fell short, the experience was invaluable.
“For our guys to have played in so many meaningful games, where every possession mattered — it was new for a lot of these guys,” Billups said. “We’ve all grown because of it.”
Portland finishes the season miles ahead of last year’s disaster — a 21-61 record that marked one of the worst in franchise history. Check out where they stand on the NBA Standings & Odds Page.
Jazz Face Defensive Breakdown
For the Jazz, this season has been historic — and not in a good way. Barring a surprise finish, 2025 will mark their first-ever 60-loss season in franchise history.
They’ve now dropped nine straight and 19 of their last 20. In their last three contests, they’ve surrendered:
- 143 points to Houston
- 140 points to Indiana
- 147 points to Atlanta
That’s over 140 points allowed per game — a staggering defensive collapse.
“We’ve got guys starting that wouldn’t start on a really, really good team,” said Jazz coach Will Hardy. “They’re young. Not many rookies or second-year players are ready for that role yet — and that’s OK.”
Despite the struggle, there are bright spots. Isaiah Collier had 17 points and 12 assists in Sunday’s game, and Keyonte George exploded for a career-high 35 points off the bench.
Curious how these players are trending for the future? Dive into the NBA Most Improved Player Futures.
Real-Time NBA Scores
Don’t Miss the Action
The Final Stretch
Utah hosts Oklahoma City on Friday before wrapping up its season on the road in Minnesota. Portland closes with back-to-back home games against Golden State and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Despite their records, the Blazers have had the Jazz’s number this season — winning two of three matchups. Will Utah grab a feel-good win at home to end the series?
Check the latest NBA betting lines for this matchup and others.
Wrap-Up
Even without playoff stakes, games like these are building blocks. For Portland, it’s about polishing their young core. For Utah, it’s evaluating what’s next.
This might be a “lottery-level” showdown, but it’s still must-watch for fans tracking the next wave of NBA stars.
Stay locked in with:
