10/22 Utah vs. Memphis
7:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass
Opponent record: 1-1
Season series: Tied 0-0
The Memphis Grizzlies have had two very different performances so far this year. They were manhandled by a solid Indiana Pacers team in their season opener, then turned around and spanked the lowly Atlanta Hawks in game two.
The Grizzlies are going to be somewhat of a hard team to judge this year. They have some talent in the ever consistent Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, as well as in young rising players such as newly drafted Jaren Jackson Jr. However, for the most part the Grizzlies lack depth and I question their coaching prowess under J.B. Bickerstaff.
Not to mention, Conley and Gasol aren’t exactly in their prime anymore and while they’ve been known for a staunch defense in years past, I don’t know that they have the offensive firepower to compete with Utah’s even better D and an offense that appears more prolific than we’ve seen in years.
Factor in that this game will also be played within the daunting confines of Vivint Smart Home Arena where the Jazz will want to redeem themselves for losing their home opener to the Warriors and put on a show for the home crowd, and I believe Utah will find a way to win pretty convincingly to move back above .500 on the year.
My Prediction: Jazz Win
Final Score: Utah 121, Memphis 104