Utah Jazz to host the Portland Trailblazers on Christmas Day
Aug 8, 2018, 9:34 AM | Updated: 9:35 am
Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum, left, guards Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) as he drives in the first half during an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
SALT LAKE CITY — The NBA is expected to officially announce that the Utah Jazz will get a Christmas Day game against the Portland Trailblazers at the Vivant Smart Home Arena.
ESPN’s Chris Haynes let the cat out of bag late yesterday when he tweeted:
Portland Trail Blazers will face the Utah Jazz on the road in one of the five Christmas Day games, league sources tell ESPN.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 8, 2018
It’s been 21-years since the Jazz played during a coveted Christmas slot. That was in 1997 when Karl Malone and John Stockton led the team to the NBA finals, losing to the Chicago Bulls after winning two games.
The Christmas Day game will wrap up a very busy December, in which the Jazz will face off against the Orlando Magic in Mexico City on December 15th, marking the first time the Jazz will travel outside the United States or Canada during the regular season to play an NBA game.
The @orlandomagic, @chicagobulls and @utahjazz are coming to Mexico City! #NBAenMexico https://t.co/e62AnpZVSw pic.twitter.com/1m5W2eZcIq
— NBA (@NBA) August 7, 2018
Both the Mexico City and Christmas Day games have insiders saying this is an indicator that the Jazz is gaining interest around the league.
Stay tuned to KSL Newsradio for confirmation of this un-official announcement.
