Toronto-raptors vs Utah Jazz Picks and Predictions March 7th 2025

Young Players Having to Step Up for Raptors, Jazz

The Toronto Raptors have shown they can compete and develop their young players at the same time, and they’ll aim to keep that balance going when they host the Utah Jazz on Friday night.

Raptors’ Young Core Delivering in Tight Games

Toronto is coming off an emotional 114-113 road win over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, where rookie Ja’Kobe Walter hit a game-winning three-pointer with just 0.5 seconds left.

The victory capped a sweep of Orlando in a two-game road series, and the final moments featured a lineup filled with Toronto’s young players, while the team’s veterans watched from the bench.

“This is what we talked about with us as an organization, it’s very important for young guys to be in those situations so they can learn,” Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said. “There is no better school than this, for them to be on the court and be in close games and go through all of that.”

Walter, who finished with 17 points, savored the moment.

“That was probably, really, the first game-winner of my life,” Walter said. “So I’m definitely going to remember that one.”

With Gradey Dick (knee) and Ochai Agbaji (ankle) still out, Walter could remain in the starting lineup as the Raptors begin a four-game homestand.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Mogbo broke his nose during Tuesday’s game and will be sidelined for at least a week. The team announced that he will wear a facemask for the rest of the season.

Jazz Facing Road Woes, Leaning on Young Players

The Jazz enter the game on a three-game losing streak, including a 125-122 road loss to the Washington Wizards in the opener of their five-game road trip.

Utah has struggled away from home, losing 10 straight road games, and will need to find a way to turn things around.

With several key players out due to injuries, head coach Will Hardy has leaned on his younger players to step up and gain valuable experience.

“We’ve got to continue to find ways to work together on the offensive side of the ball,” Hardy said. “It’s an opportunity for our young players to learn how to work together and pull out some wins.”

One of those players is third-year guard Johnny Juzang, who had a career-best 27 points against the Wizards.

“Johnny is continuing to feel his way into his new role,” Hardy said. “He’s continuing to make good reads on when to shoot his catch-and-shoot and when to play on a closeout. It’s nice to see him have success in tonight’s game because he’s put a lot of work in.”

Rookie center Kyle Filipowski also had a breakout game, scoring 23 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.

“I think that’s great for us,” said Filipowski. “Just seeing the young guys work together and try to fight for the win, I think that just shows the potential we have moving forward.”

Jazz Dealing with Injury Woes

Utah had a 58-45 rebounding advantage over Washington, despite missing starting center Walker Kessler (rest).

The Jazz were also without Lauri Markkanen (back), John Collins (back), Jordan Clarkson (foot), Collin Sexton (ankle), Keyonte George (illness), and Jaden Springer (back).

“It comes down to it being a group effort,” Hardy said. “At times we rely too much on Walker to take care of the rim and to rebound. Tonight, I thought our general activity collectively was very good.”

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What’s at Stake?

For Toronto, Friday’s game is a chance to build on recent momentum while giving its young players more meaningful minutes.

For Utah, ending a 10-game road losing streak will be a tall task, especially with so many key players sidelined.

With both teams leaning on their young talent, expect an up-tempo, development-driven game, as Toronto aims to defend home court and Utah looks for a breakthrough away from home.