The Utah Jazz escaped with a narrow 124-123 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in their last game, and now the two teams are running it back. Can the surprising Jazz continue their winning ways? Catch the game at 9 AM Manila time on Tuesday, November 1.

Away: Memphis Grizzlies (4-2, 2-2 Away)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Ja Morant / Tyus Jones
  • SG: Desmond Bane
  • SF: Dillon Brooks
  • PF: Santi Aldama
  • C: Steven Adams

Ja Morant is questionable for the game against the Grizzlies, but his absence last time was offset by an excellent performance from Tyus Jones, who had 23 points and 10 assists while shooting 10 of 15 from the field. Dillon Brooks poured in 30 of his own, while Desmond Bane continued to show why he’s going to get a fat contract by adding in 32 points and six rebounds against the Jazz.

The three of them will once again need to have big games, especially since the Jazz’s starting guards aren’t particularly great defenders, especially when facing multi-way scorers like Bane. John Konchar will need to pitch in more to help the Grizzlies win as well, as his 0 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal in 28 minutes was a dud.

Memphis are 2-3-1 ATS so far this season.

Advertisement

Home: Utah Jazz (5-2, 3-0 Home)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Colin Sexton
  • SG: Jordan Clarkson
  • SF: Lauri Markannen
  • PF: Jarred Vanderbilt
  • C: Kelly Olynyk

The Jazz are a clear example of how unpredictable this NBA season has been so far. After trading their two All-Stars in the offseason, everyone expected Utah to tank for the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes. They instead find themselves fourth in the Western Conference so far with an identical 5-2 record as the San Antonio Spurs – another team whose roster is defying the odds.

Jordan Clarkson and Colin Sexton combined for 40 points, and 10 assists while also making 6 of 13 three-point attempts, and that kind of output will be sorely needed again. Kelly Olynyk had a heck of a game too, stuffing the stat sheet with 23 points, three rebounds, four assists, two steals and three blocks while shooting 8 of 10 from the field. Lauri Markannen also had 23 points, nine rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block.

The key for Utah will be controlling the pace of the game. After falling behind early, they used a 38-24 second quarter to take the lead, but then allowed the Grizzlies to fight their way back into the lead. The Jazz down by five with 2:41 remaining, but willed their way to the victory. 

The Jazz are 4-3-0 ATS at the moment.

PREDICTION:

Spread: The Grizzlies are holding the grudge, and I think their talent outshines the Jazz as they cover the -3.5 spread.

Over/Under: If there’s one thing these two teams love to do, it’s score the basketball. Over 234.5 is high, but I like its chances.

Advertisement