THE JAZZ AREN’T BEING DEFENSIVELY SOUND

It hasn’t been an encouraging preseason for the Utah Jazz, who have appeared lethargic in their two straight losses. After getting trampled by the Milwaukee Bucks on October 10^th, 133-94, they lost to the New Orleans Pelicans, 128-127, in a collapse that saw them gave up 39 points in the final period.

As seen in the pair of high-scoring defeats, the Jazz are not getting the job done defensively. They are allowing 130.5 PPG in their last two, with the opposition having quite the performance on offense – the Bucks shot 56.8% from the floor and two rookie Pelicans both scored 20-plus (Zion Williamson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker).

What makes the atrocious defense even more confusing is that the Jazz are among the most consistently good defensive teams in the last three years (top five in points allowed and defensive rating during that span), all despite departures and various changes in the starting line-up for just about every season.

The Jazz split the season series with the Portland Trail Blazers last season, 2-2, but were plus five in points per game.

BLAZERS

The Portland Trail Blazers are 1-2 in the preseason and will be coming off an embarrassing, 134-118 blowout loss to the Phoenix Suns. They are yet to beat an NBA team in the preseason, as their lone win was against the visiting Israeli team, Maccabi Haifa.

Unlike the Jazz, it’s tough to pinpoint where the Blazers’ current problems are since the two losses have been caused by bad offense or bad defense – they shot 34% against the Nuggets and allowed the Suns to knock down 24 threes.

Whether it’s offense or defense, the Blazers will again be in search for a consistent third scorer behind Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum (combined for 45 or more PPG in each of the last four seasons). The team’s high-scoring backcourt have been its bread and butter since the 2015-16 season. Rodney Hood, along with first-time Blazers Hassan Whiteside, Kent Bazemore, Mario Hezonja, and rookie Nassir Little, are among the guys who are looking to play the part.

The Blazers finished inside the top six in points (114.7 PPG) and offensive rating last season but hovered around the league average in points allowed (110.5) and defensive rating.

PREDICTION:

It’s an intriguing affair, as it will be a classic clash of offense vs. defense. Lillard and McCollum will get their share of points, but in the end, the Jazz will build energy off the home crowd to finally get that defensive mojo back on and overwhelm the Blazers.