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Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies: Keys to the Game

By Jared Woodcox

Dec 18, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the first half against Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the first half against Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 26, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers center Ivica Zubac (40) in the third quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Utah Jazz won 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers center Ivica Zubac (40) in the third quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Utah Jazz won 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Performer – Derrick Favors

It’s been a bit of a rough season for Derrick Favors as he still seems to be struggling to work his way fully back from his previous injuries. He was ineffective the last time the Jazz and Grizzlies played and struggled to make an impact last night against the Lakers.

However, he was solid last Tuesday against the Nuggets as he logged a season-high 18 points. In that contest, he displayed several flashes of the former Favors that Jazz fans had grown accustomed to, including a strong 7-of-7 performance in the third quarter.

https://twitter.com/utahjazz/status/824119857935331328

Favors’ mid-range game has been largely absent this season, but if he can find his rhythm in that area for Saturday’s game against Memphis, he could provide a key offensive lift and be the X-Factor for the Jazz that helps them come away with a more favorable outcome than last time these two teams met.

Yet especially with Gobert having his hands full with Gasol, Favors will have his work cut out for him. He’ll be matched up against an up-and-coming JaMychal Green as well as veteran Zach Randolph who has thrived coming off the bench for the Grizzlies.

Nevertheless, even if Favors continues to struggle on offense, I expect his defense to be on point as it has been for most of the season. And if he’s able to help Gobert to contain Memphis’ formidable bigs in the paint, it will take away a key strength from the Grizzlies and likely lead to a Jazz win.

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