The Memphis Grizzlies came back from an early double-digit deficit to defeat the first-seeded Utah Jazz this week, and you can bet that the home team will be looking for revenge.
Catch the game on Thursday, May 27 at 10:00 AM Manila Time.
HOME TEAM: Utah Jazz (0-1, 0-1 at home)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Mike Conley
- SG: Donovan Mitchell
- SF: Bojan Bogdanovic
- PF: Royce O’Neale
- C: Rudy Gobert
It looked like things were going to go smoothly as planned for the Jazz, who were up by 34-21 in the second quarter, and then suddenly saw themselves collapse against a hard-charging young team with nothing to lose.
The Jazz, though, were missing star guard Donovan Mitchell (26.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.0 SPG) and his scoring production was sorely missed. Though the Jazz did manage to cut their deficit to 110-109 with 6.4 seconds left in the game, they allowed Dillon Brooks to get a basket in the ensuing time out and missed the game-tying three attempt.
During their collapse in between the second and fourth quarters, what the Jazz really needed was someone who could take control, create his own shot, and give the Grizzlies a hard time. Those things are what Mitchell excels at, and the Jazz will be extremely happy to see him back on the court, especially if he’s fully healthy.
It’s fair to note, too, that the Jazz are one of the best three-point shooting teams in the NBA this year, and they shot an ugly 12 of 47 from beyond the arc in Game 1. That shouldn’t happen again, especially because Mitchell will create more open shots for the likes of Bojan Bogdanovic because of his ability to attack the rim.
Attacking the basket will need to continue to be part of Utah’s plan as well, because they had a total of 33 free throws and made 29. It was the main reason they stayed in the game.
They’ll be baying for blood after getting embarrassed in front of their fans, and should be fired up for this game.
The Utah Jazz don’t have a great record ATS after a loss this season, and went 9-11.
ROAD TEAM: Memphis Grizzlies (1-0, 1-0 on the road)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Ja Morant
- SG: Dillon Brooks
- SF: Kyle Anderson
- PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.
- C: Jonas Valanciunas
The Grizzlies carried their momentum from their play-in games and took it to the Jazz after falling behind early. At one point in the fourth quarter, they even led 92-77 before the Jazz started to close the gap again.
Memphis may not be able to rely on Rudy Gobert fouling out again, and now they have to deal with the aforementioned threat from the Spida. However, as they’ve shown through their games with both the Warriors and Jazz, these young guns are not afraid of anything.
Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks combined for 57 points in Game 1, and I’m sure that the Jazz will adjust to their play. It’s easier said than done, though, especially when you’re talking about a player like Morant – who combines his athletic ability with undeniable talent.
Sometimes, it’s harder to come back from a six-day layoff than it is to have played three games in the span of a week or so. Let’s see how the Grizzlies respond to Mitchell’s return and to Utah’s adjusted defensive schemes.
Memphis are 20-14 ATS after a win this season.
PREDICTIONS:
Spread: I think the Jazz win the game, but think the Grizzlies will try keep it closer than the +9 spread. Take the Grizzlies to cover.
Over/Under:
The two teams should cover the over 219.
