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.
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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.