NBA: Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies Preview, Odds, Prediction

The Utah Jazz continues their trip throughout the United States, and after a game in Chicago last night, they jump to Memphis to meet the Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum. While the Jazz has had problems lately, the Grizzlies are in excellent shape, posting wins and playing solid basketball. The thing with these two units is that they play extremely interesting and fast basketball, which brings plenty of points. It should be like that tonight as well.

Preview

Utah Jazz (20-22, +350) lost in Chicago last night, 126-118. They were blown away in the final period, allowing 42 buckets while scoring only 29, and that was the difference in the end. Instead of posting the second victory in a row, they missed a very good opportunity to do so, which might impact the team’s morale.

Lauri Markkanen continued with his excellent season, scoring 28 points, 12-for-20 from the field. He averages 24.5 points and is one of the best scorers in the NBA. Jordan Clarkson had a slow shooting night behind the arc, hitting just one of his seven attempts for 18 points in total. Ochai Agbaji added 19 off the bench, being perfect while shooting, 7-for-7.

Once again, the defense was an issue for this crew, as they allowed 53% shooting to the Bulls. The Jazzers had only 39 boards, which can’t be good when playing against any team in the league.

Opposite them, Memphis Grizzlies (25-13, -320) have five consecutive victories and look very fierce right now. Three of those wins were on the road, in Toronto, and the most recent two, in Charlotte and Orlando.

Ja and the boys beat the Magic in Florida, 123-115, dominating the paint. The Grizzlies have outscored the rivals 64-40 in that area, and had more boards, 49-39, so the hosts were in a tough position throughout the entire event.

Morant scored 32 buckets, 13-for-21, had six assists and five boards. Jaren Jackson Jr. had a good game, too, dropping 31 points and 10 rebounds. JJJ posted three blocks and one steal, keeping his status as one of the best defenders in the NBA.

Ziaire Williams had a very nice game off the bench with 16 points, and Tyus Jones scored 11, while Dillon Brooks didn’t have a good night, hitting five of 18 attempts and only one of eight from downtown.

Head to Head Games

This is the third game between the Grizzlies and the Jazz this year. The first was in Utah, and the hosts won, 124-123. The second was also in Salt Lake City, and again, the Jazzers were better, 121-105, posting two victories in a row over one of the best teams in the NBA this season.

Prediction

As mentioned in the beginning, both teams are playing fast basketball and aren’t too keen on putting some effort into the defensive assignments. That’s why 237 points look like a reachable figure, and both teams should eclipse it. Regarding the winner of the contest, Memphis is playing at home, where they are 15-3, so it isn’t too big of a doubt about their victory. For those who want to increase the profit, go with Memphis wins, and the game goes Over.

Pick: Over 237 points -110