Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies Preview

Finish your Memorial Day celebrations with a Western Conference showdown between the top-seeded Utah Jazz (2-1) and the eighth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies (1-2). The Grizzlies will host this one at FedExForum with tipoff scheduled for 9:30 pm ET.

After being upset in the first game of the series, the Jazz have now won back-to-back games, including a 121-111 in Game 3 on Saturday. In the victory, Donovan Mitchell led all scorers with 29 points while Mike Conley Jr. added 27 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds.

In the loss, the Grizzlies got solid performances from guards Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks, who combined for 55 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas had a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.
The Jazz are the favorites despite playing on the road. They are -215 to win while the Grizzlies’ moneyline sits at +180. The spread features Memphis +5 (-108), and the over/under is 224.5 (-110).

By The Numbers

This season, the Jazz were one of the top-scoring teams in the league. They ranked third overall, averaging 116.7 points per game. The Grizzlies ranked 14th averaging 113.3 points per game.

Defensively, it is once again the Jazz with the edge. They ranked third in scoring defense, allowing opponents just 107.6 points per game. Memphis falls to 17th, allowing 112.5 points per game.

Jazz Looks To Prove Their Ranking

At this point, the Jazz have to feel disrespected. Despite having the best record in the entire NBA during the regular season (52-20), they have just the fifth-best odds of winning it all at +700. As they try to prove that their regular-season dominance was for real, they will look to shut down the Grizzlies in Game 4.

Leading the way for Utah is guard Donovan Mitchell. After missing the first game of the series with a high ankle sprain, Mitchell has been a difference-maker in the last two games. In those two contests, he is averaging 27 points, 2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and a steal per game.

One of the other keys for Utah is former Memphis Grizzly, Mike Conley. The Jazz guard is averaging 23 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 11.3 assists against his former team.

The Jazz can also beat you with their depth as Bojan Bogdanovic (20.7 points, 4.7 rebounds), Defensive Player of the Year candidate Rudy Gobert (15.7 points, 14 rebounds), Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson (15 points), Royce O’Neale (9.7 points, 6.7 rebounds), and Joe Ingles (9.3 points) have all played well.

Grizzlies Hope To Take Back Home Court Advantage

Even though the Grizzlies were just 18-18 at home during the regular season, they still understand the importance of winning at home. The Jazz were 31-5 during the regular season at home, so the Grizzlies need to make these games at the FedExForum count before shifting back to Utah. They dropped their last game there but will look to get back on track Monday.

Leading the way for the Grizzlies is the tandem of Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks. Through the first three games, Morant has been outstanding as he has averaged 33.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Brooks has also been impressive, averaging 27 points, 4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.

Other Grizzlies that have contributed have included Jonas Valanciunas (14.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists), Kyle Anderson (12 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 4 steals), and Jaren Jackson Jr. (10.7 points, 5 rebounds).

Taking Utah To Win And Cover

There is no denying that Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks have shown flashes of brilliance this postseason; however, they have only been able to steal one game from the Jazz thus far, and that was without their best player, Donovan Mitchell.

With Mitchell back in the fold over the last two games, Utah has been able to win both games by double digits. While it may not be by double digits, the smart play is still on the Jazz to not only win this one but to cover the 5-point spread as well.