Utah Jazz at Memphis Grizzlies Betting Preview/Prop Pick

The Utah Jazz has now lost three straight games, once to the Warriors and twice to the Suns. However, they still have quite an impressive record at 30-19, but they need to get back to winning.

They’re No.4 in the Western Conference and today face the No.3 team, the Memphis Grizzlies. The Jazz will have their hands full when they head to Memphis to face Ja Morant. 

The Memphis Grizzlies recently beat the Spurs, 118-110. The win over San Antonio put them up to 33 wins on the season. Today, they host the Utah Jazz, one of the best teams in the Western Conference.

Memphis comes in as the favorite here, but will they be able to cover the spread? The Grizzlies haven’t done well against the Jazz in the past, so let’s take a look at both teams.

Utah Jazz: In danger of losing four straight games

The last week has been quite a roller coaster for the Jazz, losing three straight games. Not long ago, the Jazz went on a four-game losing streak, so it’s not surprising.

What’s concerning is how much talent they have but are still losing games. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert are both ruled out, so someone needs to step up. The Jazz can’t afford another loss on the road.

The good news is that the Jazz has a pretty strong record against the Grizzlies. Over their last ten games, Utah is 8-2 against Memphis. Their offense averages 113.78 points per game, ranking second in the NBA.

Their main focus in this game should be slowing down the pace. Ja Morant is a speedy guard and scores off of transition easily; the Jazz need to get in front of him.

Memphis Grizzlies: A strong defensive showing will win this one

The Utah Jazz is one of the best scoring teams in the NBA, which we detailed above. If the Grizzlies want to win this one at home, they need to play some solid defense. They also need to avoid turnovers on offense.

The Jazz has better shooters, but the Grizzlies rank No.1 in the NBA for rebounds per game. More rebounds give them more chances to put up points.

The Grizzlies haven’t performed well historically against the Jazz. Today gives them a chance to get their third win over the Jazz in ten games. Running the offense through Ja Morant is a good move, as long as he doesn’t turn the ball over.

Their middle-of-the-road defense won’t do either. Even if Gobert and Mitchell are out, the defense needs to step their game up tonight.

Our pick for the Utah Jazz at Memphis Grizzlies

After looking at both of these teams and what they do well, we’re going with the Grizzlies. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert are huge parts of the Jazz’s success. We have seen how poorly the Jazz does without those two, so the Grizzlies are the best bet.

It’s also important to note that Utah is 2-8-1 ATS in their last eleven games. A team performing that way at the sportsbook makes for a terrible bet.

Memphis, on the other hand, is 11-3 against the spread in their last 14 games. Since they’re only -3.5 here, the best bet is the Memphis Grizzlies at home to cover the spread. 

DunkelIndex Free Pick: Memphis Grizzlies -3.5, UNDER

Prop Pick

Utah (-115) UNDER 111.5 Points

Memphis is allowing 108.4 points per game on defense, which ranks No. 15 in the league. That average decreases to 107.1 at home, which also ranks No. 15. Scores have gone UNDER in seven of the Grizzlies’ last eight games as a home favorite.

With Dunkel predicting a Memphis victory by the score of 110-102, take the Jazz (-115) to finish UNDER their Vegas team total of 111.5 points against the Grizzlies.

Ja Morant (-135) OVER 6.5 Assists

Ja was just voted in to his first All-Star game as a starter, only the second Grizzlies player to do so after Marc Gasol. In his third season, Morant has started all 37 games and is averaging 6.9 assists. Over his last 10 games that number has jumped up to 7.7 apg. Morant should continue that hot streak tonight against the Jazz and go over the line of 6.5 assists. 

Be sure to check out all of today’s NBA picks!