Game thread: Jazz PG Mike Conley is back in Memphis

Utah Jazz point-man Mike Conley returns to the place where he blossomed into a star as his squad looks to extend its win streak to five games.

Under normal circumstances, a mid-November bout between the Utah Jazz and a rebuilding Memphis Grizzlies squad wouldn’t really move the needle much. For obvious reasons, Friday’s game between the Western Conference foes is different, though.

Mike Conley is coming home.

After 12 years at the head of the Grit n’ Grind movement, Conley made the move to the 801 this summer and, almost instantaneously, the Jazz took on the look of a legitimate title contender. And while bringing the Larry O’Brien Trophy back to Salt Lake City is his primary goal now, there’s no doubting that Conley’s first return to Memphis is a big deal.

“It’s a bunch of great memories, a bunch of great people,” Conley told the Commercial Appeal. “You’ve kind of got to get emotional just being in the building right now.”

Here’s Conley’s former teammate Dillon Brooks on the return —

Conley’s early run with Utah has been a mixed bag so far; he’s putting up just under 15 points a night, but shooting under 37 percent from the floor. The floor general is also averaging a career-low four assists per game.

That said, slow starts are nothing new for Conley. Over his first 10 games last season, he connected on just 36 percent of his shots overall and 28 percent from distance. And it’s been a similar story in other years. Jazz fans can likely rest easy knowing it will come together as the season wears on; just as it always has.

And his first homecoming in Memphis should have Conley properly motivated to put up big numbers.

Of course, Conley’s comeback isn’t the only reunion happening. Former Jazzmen Jae Crowder and Grayson Allen will be suiting up for the Beale St. Bears (although Allen is out with an injury). Meanwhile, Jazz guard and former No. 5 overall pick Dante Exum is expected to return to the hardwood as well.

Talented though the Grizzlies’ young guns are — the duo of Jaren Jackson, Jr. and Ja Morant will be a formidable one for years to come — this game provides a prime opportunity for the Jazz to win their fifth straight game and keep their spot among the West’s best for the time being.

Game Data

Broadcast Info

Tip-off: 6:00 PM MT on November 15 from FedExForum in Memphis, TN
TV: ESPN
Radio: The Zone Sports Network (97.5 FM & 1280 AM Salt Lake City)

Projected Starting Lineups

Injuries

Big man Ed Davis continues to be out after he fractured his left fibula earlier this month. Exum, meanwhile, is expected to make his season debut following right knee rehab that dates back to last season. Look for Jazz coach Quin Snyder to take the conservative approach with regards to his minutes.

Former Jazz guard Grayson Allen is a no-go for Memphis as he continues to deal with left ankle soreness.

Prediction

The Action Network lists the Jazz as 7.5-point favorites on the road in this one. Although the Grizz have logged consecutive victories (over the San Antonio Spurs and Charlotte Hornets) and boast some intriguing young talent, I’m looking for the Jazz to take them behind the woodshed in this one.

Let’s go with Utah, 111-99

Discussion

#UTAatMEM is the Twitter hashtag for the Jazz-Grizz affair. For the old school crowd, the live comment thread below will be rocking throughout the contest. Go Jazz!