Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies: Keys to the Game
Prediction – Jazz 86, Grizzlies 81
Given that the Jazz lost two games in a row earlier in the week and were less than dominant in their win over the Lakers, I’m feeling a little bit nervous about this pick. As I pointed out earlier in the week, the Jazz are just 6-12 against teams with a record above .500 and the Grizzlies are one of those teams that is never an easy out.
Nevertheless, this game has all the feel of potentially being a bounce-back statement game with Hood, Burks and Favors all getting closer to recovering and Hill due for a comeback game, so I’ll stick with my prediction from earlier in the week and pin the Jazz as five-point winners in a low-scoring, grind-it-out affair.
The Grizzlies are coming into the game on the second night of a back-to-back (much like the Jazz were in Memphis the last time these two teams met), so that should help as well as a defensive juggernaut such as this Utah squad is a daunting foe to have to face on tired legs.
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The Jazz haven’t defeated a Western Conference playoff team since their last win over the Grizzlies back on December 18th, so it’s critical that they get back to their winning ways with a victory in this one.
It truly feels like several Jazz players have been largely failing to play up to their potential in recent bouts, so if things can fall in place and a few issues can be righted, Utah should very well be able to come away with a win against a fatigued Memphis team.
All stats courtesy of NBA.com