PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — The Portland Trail Blazers will look to solidify their position in the Western Conference play-in race when they host the struggling Utah Jazz on Friday night at Moda Center. Portland (31-35) enters the contest having split its last six games but remains within striking distance of the final play-in spot. The Trail Blazers are coming off a narrow 103-101 home loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday, a game in which Jerami Grant scored 24 points. Grant has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 21.8 points over his last 10 contests, including a 30-point, 9-rebound performance in a win over Memphis on March 4. Utah (20-45) arrives with the second-worst record in the West but is buoyed by a 119-116 victory over Golden State on Monday. Rookie forward Kyle Filipowski was instrumental in that win, posting 19 points and 15 rebounds. The Duke product has recorded a double-double in six of his last 10 games, averaging 15.1 points and 10.2 rebounds over that stretch. His development has been a bright spot in a difficult season. The recent history between these teams heavily favors Portland. The Trail Blazers have won all three meetings this season, including a 135-119 victory in Salt Lake City on Feb. 12. In that game, Portland shot 52.9% from the field and connected on 18 3-pointers. The matchup pits Portland’s pursuit of postseason positioning against a Utah team playing for pride and development. The Trail Blazers’ offense, which has topped 120 points in all three prior wins over Utah this season, will test a Jazz defense that ranks near the bottom of the league. Filipowski’s battle with Portland’s interior, including center Donovan Clingan, will be a key subplot. Following this game, Portland embarks on a challenging five-game road trip, while Utah continues a three-game swing away from home.