Blazers' top-ranked offense visits Jazz defense ranked 26th

The Portland Trail Blazers (3-1), owners of the NBA's best offense, visit the Utah Jazz (1-4) in Salt Lake City on Saturday, October 31, at 3:00 PM ET against the league's 26th-ranked defense.

The Blazers score 119 points per 100 possessions, first in the league, and post an effective field goal percentage of 57.2, second. Half of their shots come from three, the second-highest share in the NBA. Utah allows 115.7 points per 100 possessions and an opponent effective field goal percentage of 54.1.

The Jazz also force the fewest turnovers in the league, at 10.7 per 100 plays. Portland protects the ball well, with a turnover rate of 12, sixth best, so its shooters should get clean looks.

Utah's problem on offense is shooting. The Jazz rank 22nd in effective field goal percentage at 52.1 and 24th in turnover rate, so Portland's defense, 16th in the league, does not have to be great to hold them down.

Keyonte George leads Utah with 24.4 points and 6.8 assists a game. He also gives the ball away 4.2 times a night. Airious Bailey adds 8.0 rebounds.

For Portland, Deni Avdija averages 22.8 points and 6.5 assists. Donovan Clingan grabs 8.8 rebounds.

Utah's injury list is long. Lauri Markkanen is questionable, while Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jusuf Nurkic are out. Jackson Jr. is not expected back until Monday, December 14.

Ja Morant and Shaedon Sharpe are out for Portland, and Robert Williams III is questionable. Sharpe is not expected back until Tuesday, March 2.

The Blazers lost 124-103 to Memphis at home in their last game after three straight wins, including a 136-129 victory at the Lakers. The Jazz have lost three in a row, the latest 117-111 to San Antonio.

Sportsbooks' prices give Portland a 67% chance to win. Keel's projection is 70%, with a margin of 6.4 points.