3/9 Utah at Memphis
6:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass
Opponent record: 18-44
Season series: Jazz lead 1-0
My, how the mighty have fallen. For several years the Memphis Grizzlies have been a team that was almost guaranteed to make the playoffs as, even when it appeared they would take a step backwards going into a season, they still found a way to grind their way in. To start out this year, it looked like it would be more of the same as they began the season red hot.
But they’ve since cooled in the worst of ways.
After the fallout with former head couch David Fizdale, the Grizzlies have swan dived down the standings until they now find themselves at dead last in not only the Western Conference, but in the entire NBA. The once pesky and dangerous Grizzlies have looked anything but of late as they’ve become one of the most disappointing teams in the league.
Nevertheless, they still could be a roadblock for the Utah Jazz as it feels like it’s never easy for them to beat the Grizzlies, particularly in Memphis. The last time these two teams faces off this season, the game ended in a much too close for comfort 92-88 slug-fest as Utah pulled out the narrowest of victories.
Of course, Memphis’ leading scorer Tyreke Evans didn’t play in that game as he was presumably set to be traded at the impending trade deadline, but instead he stayed put. Since then, he’s played in only three games and just one since the All-Star break as he deals with a rib injury. Therefore, it’s entirely possible that he’ll miss a second straight contest against the Jazz.
Whether he’s in or not, the Jazz will still have to deal with Marc Gasol, who’s been a constant thorn in their side throughout the years. He hasn’t been quite as dominant this season with a lackluster supporting cast and as Father Time catches up to him, but he’ll still keep Utah’s frontcourt on their toes without a doubt.
While there are certainly some fears about going into Memphis and playing the hard-nosed Grizzlies, I believe Utah will be able to come out on top once again. The Grizzlies will pose somewhat of a challenge and won’t just roll over, but they’ve plummeted so far in the standings due largely to a blatant lack of talent and I think the Jazz will be able to take advantage in a likely low-scoring affair.
My Prediction: Jazz Win
Final Score: Utah 95, Memphis 84