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Portland (26-29) at Utah (18-37)
- When: Feb 12 2026, 9:00 PM
- Where: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- TV: KUNP
Portland vs Utah Preview & Prediction
Spread: Portland -7.5
Moneyline: Portland (-260)
Total: 239.0
The final game before the All Star break always feels a little chaotic. Legs are tired, bags are packed, and half the roster is mentally on a beach somewhere. But before anyone grabs sunglasses, Portland and Utah have one more track meet to run in Salt Lake City.
Let’s break it down.
Utah Jazz: New Guy Energy
Jaren Jackson Jr. showed up in Utah like he just transferred schools and is trying to make varsity on day one. He has been electric. Since arriving in that blockbuster deal, he has poured in 22, 22 and 23 points while barely breaking a sweat in limited minutes. Efficient, aggressive, comfortable. That is how you win over a new locker room.
And then there is Lauri Markkanen. The man is casually averaging 26.7 points per game and making it look like he is at an open gym run. When Markkanen gets going at home, that building gets loud fast.
Utah had been in a rough patch, losing 12 of 14 before finally stacking a couple wins. Now they look energized. The only issue? Defense has been optional most nights. When the Jazz play, the scoreboard operator earns overtime.
If Utah wants to cover, they will need to protect the ball and avoid giving Portland transition chances. That has not always been their strength.
Portland Trail Blazers: Bounce Back Mode
Portland just got smacked around in Minnesota. Twenty six turnovers. Forty three points allowed off those turnovers. That is not basketball. That is a charity event.
But here is the thing. Portland has already handled Utah twice this season. They won a thriller in Salt Lake City early in the year and then crushed the Jazz by 20 at home. That matchup confidence matters.
Deni Avdija had a rough shooting night last game and has been dealing with back soreness. Jrue Holiday did his part. The bigger issue was rhythm. When Portland takes care of the ball, they can score in bunches.
And with this total sitting at 238, Vegas is basically screaming: “Defense is optional tonight.”
Prediction and Betting Angle
Portland laying 7.5 tells you the books respect the matchup history. Utah is trending up, but Portland has proven they can exploit this defense.
The total at 238 feels high, but both teams have shown they can push pace and forget to guard anyone for long stretches.
I lean Portland to bounce back and control the tempo early. Utah will score, but Portland’s experience and previous success in this matchup gives them the edge.
Final Score: Portland 123, Utah 114
Lean: Portland -7.5
Total: Under 239.0
- NBA Basketball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
