NBA Matchup: Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Date: 28 January 2022
Time: 8:00pm ET
The injury-riddled Utah Jazz travels into the FedExForum on Friday night for a head-to-head showdown with the Memphis Grizzlies. Both teams have played each once in the 2021-22 NBA season where the Grizzlies edged out the Jazz in a 119-118 victory.
Utah Jazz season so far
The Utah Jazz had an incredible start to their season but now they have been struggling as they enter this game on a three-game losing streak. The biggest reason for their downfall has been injuries as they have missed star centre Rudy Gobert with a calf injury, and their leader Donovan Mitchell due to a concussion.
Utah is averaging 106.0 points, 42.7 rebounds, 20.2 assists, 7.0 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 45.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.6 points.
JC’s 15th game this season with 20 points or more off the bench ????#PerformanceLeader | @UofUHealth pic.twitter.com/RMowcohQ3h
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 27, 2022
Donovan Mitchell leads Utah as he is putting up 25.5 points per game. He also adds four rebounds and 5.2 assists per game this season. Mike Conley is averaging 14 points and 5.3 assists for the Jazz. Jordan Clarkson is averaging 17.4 points over the last 10 games for Utah.
Memphis Grizzlies season so far
The Memphis Grizzlies have been one of the best teams in the NBA with a record of 33 wins and 17 losses. Grind City is currently third in the western conference and enters this game after defeating the Spurs 118-110. In the last ten games, Memphis has a record of 7-3, averaging 113.1 points, 48.6 rebounds, 24.8 assists, 10.2 steals and 7.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.9 points per game.
Another special night for @JaMorant ????
41 points | 8 assists | 5 rebounds | 2 steals | 8-10 FT pic.twitter.com/qOCJ5X8uj6
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 27, 2022
Ja Morant leads Memphis as he is averaging 25.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.9 assists over the last 10 games. Desmond Bane is having a career year as he averages 2.9 made 3-pointers per game for the Grizzlies, scoring 17.8 points while shooting 41.9% from beyond the arc. Memphis’ rebounding leader is Steven Adams with 9.3 rebounds per game.
Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies Match Prediction
The Memphis Grizzlies are already the best rebounding team in the league and hence they have a chance to dominate with no Rudy Gobert down low. Not only are they going to dominate on the boards, but they’ll also be more aggressive when attacking the rim.
Gobert’s absence as the Jazz’s best post defender already puts the Jazz behind the 8ball. Similarly, Donovan Mitchell potentially being out again puts tremendous pressure on Jordan Clarkson and Bojan Bogdanovic to lead the way offensively against a Grizzlies team that’s consistently making plays on the defensive end of the floor. Hence with a rampaging Ja Morant and an in-form roster, the Memphis Grizzlies are favourites to win this game.
Injury Report
Utah Jazz
Trent Forrest – Ankle – Game Time Decision
Donovan Mitchell – Concussion – Game Time Decision
Rudy Gobert – Calf – Expected to be out until at least Jan 30
Memphis Grizzlies
Kyle Anderson – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Jan 29
Tyus Jones – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Jan 29
Dillon Brooks – Ankle – Expected to be out until at least Feb 12
How to watch Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies?
The matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz will be broadcast locally on AT&T SportsNet – Rocky Mountain and Bally Sports Southeast – Memphis. The game can also be live-streamed with an NBA League Pass.
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