Preview: Trail Blazers at Jazz on Thursday SALT LAKE CITY (Interstat) — Two Western Conference teams on contrasting trajectories will meet Thursday when the Portland Trail Blazers visit the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. The Trail Blazers (26-28) have won three of their last four, including a 135-118 victory over Philadelphia on Monday. Portland’s offense has been potent, averaging 124.5 points during that four-game stretch. Utah (17-37), meanwhile, has lost eight of its last 10 games but is coming off a 115-111 road win against Miami on Monday. The Jazz have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 122.1 points per game this season. A key matchup will feature Portland forward Deni Avdija against Utah rookie Kyle Filipowski. Avdija is coming off a near triple-double, with 26 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in Monday’s win. Over his last five games, he is averaging 20.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists. Filipowski, the Jazz’s promising first-year forward, has recorded three double-doubles in his last six appearances. He posted 16 points and 11 rebounds in the victory over Miami, showcasing his rebounding prowess. In two games prior, he grabbed 17 and 16 rebounds against Atlanta and Indiana, respectively. The season series is tied 1-1. Portland won the most recent meeting 137-117 at home on Jan. 5, after Utah dropped a 136-134 decision at home on Oct. 29. Portland’s recent surge has been fueled by balanced scoring. Alongside Avdija, forward Toumani Camara scored 30 points against the 76ers, and guard Jrue Holiday added 13 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. For Utah, center Jusuf Nurkic is a consistent interior force, coming off a 16-rebound performance against Miami. Rookie guard Ace Bailey, who scored 16 points in that game, provides backcourt scoring. The Trail Blazers will look to continue their push toward the play-in tournament, while the Jazz aim to build momentum from their rare road win and develop their young core in front of the home crowd. Following this game, Portland begins a five-game homestand on Feb. 20 against Denver. Utah opens a two-game road trip on Feb. 20 at Memphis. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST.