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Almeyda Unsure Whether to Start Ejuke Against Alaves

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Sevilla manager Matías Almeyda has said he is still unsure whether to start Chidera Ejuke or keep using him as a substitute ahead of their match against Deportivo Alaves.

Ejuke has been one of Sevilla’s best dribblers this season, but he has mostly come off the bench in the second half of matches. The Nigerian winger has struggled to get regular playing time and has not completed a full 90 minutes in any competition. He has also not started a game since the derby against Real Betis in November 2025.

Speaking at a press conference, Almeyda said the coaching staff have tried Ejuke in different attacking positions to get the best out of him.

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“We’ve tried Ejuke on the left and on the right. I think he is a decisive player in one-on-one situations,” Almeyda said.

The Sevilla boss admitted there is still a question about how best to use the Super Eagles star.

“There is always that question of whether it’s 90 minutes or just the second half,” he added.

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Almeyda also described Ejuke as a player who can change games with his individual quality, especially late in matches. He said the winger can create something special when the team needs extra impact.

Sevilla will now decide whether to start Ejuke or keep him as an impact substitute when they face Alaves.

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Utah Jazz vs Portland Trail Blazers Preview: Starting Lineups Tonight, Betting Tips and Game Prediction (Mar. 13)

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The Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers cross swords in a regular-season game at the Moda Center on Friday, with tipoff at 10 p.m. EST. The Blazers have already secured the season series against the Blazers by winning all three previous matchups.

The Jazz are in 14th place in the Western Conference standings with a 20-46 record. Meanwhile, the Blazers are 10th in the standings with a 31-35 record.

Utah Jazz vs. Portland Trail Blazers Preview, Starting Lineups Tonight, Betting Tips and Game Prediction

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Utah Jazz vs. Portland Trail Blazers Betting Tips and Odds

Moneyline: Jazz (+525), Blazers (-750)

Spread: Jazz +10.5 (-116), Blazers -10.5 (-105)

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Total over/under o/u: Jazz o239.5 (-105), Blazers u239.5 (-116)

Editor’s note: Odds might change closer to tipoff.

Betting Tips

  • Deni Avdija is expected to score over 23.5 points.
  • Brice Sensabaugh is expected to score over 18.5 points.
  • Donovan Clingan is expected to score over 11.5 rebounds.

Utah Jazz vs. Portland Trail Blazers Preview

The Jazz choked an 18-point lead against the New York Knicks in their previous game and fell to a 134-117 loss at home. Brice Sensabaugh, who has emerged as the top-scoring option for the Jazz, delivered another strong performance, finishing with 29 points, five rebounds and five assists on 9 of 19 shooting.

Rookie Ace Bailey found his stroke from beyond the arc and knocked down five of his 10 3-point shots en route to 21 points. Overall, the Jazz shot really well from deep, recording a clip of exact 50.0%.

Meanwhile, the Blazers are coming off a narrow two-point loss against the Charlotte Hornets in their previous game on Tuesday. Veteran guard Jrue Holiday, who has been in scintillating form of late, endured a tough four-point outing that played a role in Portland’s loss.

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Against the Jazz, the Blazers need Holiday to be at his two-way best. Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan are both healthy, while Jerami Grant is coming off an uber-efficient 24-point display against the Hornets.

Utah Jazz vs. Portland Trail Blazers Starting Lineups Tonight

Utah Jazz starting lineup

PG: Isaiah Collier, SG: Ace Bailey, SF: Cody Williams, PF: Brice Sensabaugh, C: Kyle Filipowski.

Portland Trail Blazers starting lineup

PG: Deni Avdija, SG: Jrue Holiday, SF: Toumani Camara, PF: Jerami Grant, C: Donovan Clingan.

Utah Jazz vs. Portland Trail Blazers Prediction

Expect the Blazers to record an easy win and sweep the shorthanded Jazz 4-0 this season. Portland is at home and has all its big guns healthy. We also expect a high-scoring game, as both teams don’t shy away from putting points on the board.

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Final score prediction: Blazers win 134-120.