by Alma Bean
Feature Image: Photo by David Berding of Getty Images.
The Utah Jazz (29-30) takes on the Memphis Grizzlies (34-22) in the final game of a four-game road trip before the All-Star break.
What to Look For
Utah is catching Memphis at the perfect time as they are currently 2-4 in the month of February. Memphis has been without Steven Adams for this stretch and that could be an advantage for Utah. Adams has only played in two of the three previous meetings against Utah this season and scored four total points in 38 minutes. Though Jaren Jackson Jr. will be a beast in the paint, this may clear the path for Walker Kessler and provide meaningful minutes for Udoka Azubuike. Though this may open the paint, it will also spread-out Memphis’ offense to the perimeter with Santi Aldama and recently acquired guard Luke Kennard.
Key of the Game
Stick to the perimeter and foul if you need to. It might sound like a strange strategy but Memphis is last in the league in free throw percentage, shooting 71.8 percent. Utah has been known to be a foul-heavy team with nearly 21 fouls per game, but this game may have players forcing their opponent to earn their points from the line consistently. Memphis currently shoots 34.5 percent from the perimeter and allows opponents to shoot 35.7 percent, which is just under Utah’s average of 36.3 percent. This should open some opportunities for Ochai Agbaji, Jordan Clarkson and Simone Fontecchio to show their range.
Injury Report
Memphis- Steven Adams: Out (knee)
Utah- Rudy Gay: Questionable (non-COVID illness), Johnny Juzang: Out (G League), Lauri Markkanen: Questionable (knee), Micah Potter: Out (elbow)
Where to Watch
Tip-off between Memphis and Utah will be at 6:00 p.m. MT on AT&T SportsNet.