Game Overview
On Friday evening, the Memphis Grizzlies will host the Utah Jazz in Memphis, Tennessee, in a matchup of struggling teams in the Western Conference. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. EST, with the Grizzlies opening as 4.5-point favorites according to BETMGM.
Current Standings
The Grizzlies, holding a 20-33 record, currently sit 11th in the Western Conference, while the Jazz, at 18-38, find themselves in 13th place. Memphis is eager to put an end to a disappointing four-game losing streak as they aim to improve their performance against Western Conference rivals, where they have logged a 16-21 record.
Performance Stats
In terms of performance stats, Memphis boasts an average of 28.7 assists per game, ranking them sixth in the entire league, with Cam Spencer leading the way at an average of 5.6 assists. On the offensive side, Memphis sinks about 13.5 three-pointers per contest, slightly below the 15.5 that Utah concedes. The Jazz, meanwhile, are scoring an average of 118.3 points per game, which marginally exceeds the 117.5 points allowed by the Grizzlies.
Previous Encounters
These teams will meet for the third time this season, with Memphis having won the last encounter 137-128 back on December 24, a game highlighted by Santi Aldama’s impressive 37-point performance. Aldama is currently averaging 14.0 points while shooting 47.9% from the floor. GG Jackson has been adding 13.1 points over the last 10 games for the Grizzlies.
Key Players
For the Jazz, Keyonte George stands out with averages of 23.8 points and 6.5 assists per game. Brice Sensabaugh has also made an impact, averaging 2.5 three-pointers over his last 10 outings. However, Utah has struggled defensively, allowing an alarming average of 125.9 points per game, contributing to a negative scoring differential of 7.6 points per game.
Recent Form
In terms of recent form, the Grizzlies have been faltering with a 2-8 record in their last 10 games, averaging 114.1 points while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have been scoring 121.1 on average. Conversely, the Jazz are slightly better at 3-7 in their last 10, scoring 114.8 points while hitting 47.5% of their shots, but allowing 117.3 points to their opponents.
Injury Updates
Injury updates are critical for both teams heading into this game. The Grizzlies will be without Ja Morant (elbow) and Zach Edey (ankle), while several players, including Santi Aldama (knee) and Walter Clayton Jr. (calf), are considered day-to-day. The Jazz are dealing with their own injury concerns, including Keyonte George (ankle) and Oscar Tshiebwe (concussion), while key players Walker Kessler and Jaren Jackson Jr. are out for the season.
Conclusion
Overall, this pivotal matchup provides a crucial opportunity for both the Grizzlies and the Jazz to turn their seasons around, as they continue to fight for a better position in the challenging Western Conference.
