Golden State Warriors vs Utah Jazz Prediction | 01.28.26

Golden State Warriors vs Utah Jazz Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 28-01-2026

The regular season heats up as the Golden State Warriors (26-22) travel to the Delta Center in Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz (15-32) on January 28, 2026, at 9:00 PM EST. This matchup pits a veteran Warriors squad, battling for playoff positioning, against a rebuilding Jazz team looking to find its rhythm, albeit hampered by significant absences.

Golden State Warriors vs Utah Jazz Matchup Preview

Golden State Warriors Key Stats & Trends

The Golden State Warriors enter this contest with a respectable record, largely propelled by the enduring brilliance of Stephen Curry. Curry remains their offensive engine, averaging an elite 27.3 PPG, complemented by 5.0 APG and 3.7 RPG. Draymond Green continues to be the team’s primary facilitator and defensive anchor, contributing 5.7 RPG and a team-high 5.2 APG. However, the Warriors have been inconsistent, especially on the road, and are significantly impacted by a lengthy injury report. Their ability to maintain offensive flow beyond Curry will be crucial.

Injury Report Golden State Warriors

• L.J. Cryer (Day-to-day): Cryer (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Jazz.
• Gary Payton II (Day-to-day): Payton is probable to play Wednesday versus the Jazz due to a right calf contusion.
• Draymond Green (Day-to-day): Green (back) is probable for Wednesday’s game in Utah.
• Stephen Curry (Day-to-day): Curry (knee) is listed as probable for Wednesday’s game against the Jazz.
• Jonathan Kuminga (Out): The Warriors announced Sunday that Kuminga has been diagnosed with a bone bruise in his left knee and a re-evaluation date will be determined in the coming days.
• Seth Curry (Out): Curry (sciatic nerve) is listed out for Sunday’s game against the Timberwolves.
• Jimmy Butler III (Out): Butler’s injury from Monday Night’s game involves a torn right ACL and he will be out for the rest of the season, per Shams Charania of ESPN.

Utah Jazz Key Stats & Trends

The Utah Jazz are navigating a challenging season, reflected in their 15-32 record. Lauri Markkanen is the undeniable cornerstone of their offense, putting up impressive numbers with 27.9 PPG and 7.2 RPG. Rookie Isaiah Collier has shown flashes of potential, leading the team with 6.6 APG. Despite Markkanen’s individual brilliance, the Jazz have struggled with consistency and are particularly vulnerable defensively, a weakness exacerbated by key injuries to their frontcourt.

Injury Report Utah Jazz

• Jusuf Nurkic (Out): Nurkic is out for Tuesday’s game against the Clippers with an illness.
• Georges Niang (Out): Niang (foot) has been ruled out for Tuesday’s game against the Clippers.
• Keyonte George (Out): George will be held out of Tuesday’s game against the Clippers for rest purposes.
• Elijah Harkless (Out): Harkless finished Monday’s 105-103 win over the Celtics with three points (1-4 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), one rebound, two assists and one steal across 21 minutes.
• Walker Kessler (Out): Kessler will undergo left shoulder surgery and will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports.

Golden State Warriors vs Utah Jazz Prediction & Best Bet

The Golden State Warriors, despite their superior record, face significant challenges heading into this matchup. With Jonathan Kuminga, Seth Curry, and Jimmy Butler III all sidelined, and Stephen Curry and Draymond Green listed as probable with nagging injuries, their depth and overall firepower are severely compromised. While the Jazz are also dealing with major losses, notably Walker Kessler (out for season) and Jusuf Nurkic (illness), Lauri Markkanen’s scoring prowess (27.9 PPG) can keep them competitive at home. Given the Warriors’ extensive injury list and the Jazz’s ability to score with Markkanen, the Utah Jazz +9.5 (Spread) offers considerable value. The absence of key defensive bigs for the Jazz (Kessler, Nurkic) and the Warriors’ reliance on Curry’s scoring, combined with both teams’ potential to push the pace, suggests an offensive affair. Therefore, we’re also leaning towards the total points going over 241.5.