The Hive Sports

Memphis Grizzlies vs Utah Jazz Pregame Analysis

by Alma Bean Feature Image by David Zalubowski of AP Photo The Utah Jazz (1-3) makes their way back home to Salt Lake City after a disappointing road trip to welcome the Memphis Grizzlies (0-4). What to Look For Though it is early in the season, this is a battle of the bottom of the…

Alma Bean

November 1, 2023

2–3 minutes

Brandon Clarke, Brice Sensabaugh, Derrick Rose, Desmond Bane, Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Johnny Juzang, Jordan Clarkson, Josh Christopher, Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies, Micah Potter, NBA, Santi Aldama, Steven Adams, Taylor Hendricks, Utah Jazz, Walker Kessler, Xavier Tillman

by Alma Bean

Feature Image by David Zalubowski of AP Photo

The Utah Jazz (1-3) makes their way back home to Salt Lake City after a disappointing road trip to welcome the Memphis Grizzlies (0-4).

What to Look For

Though it is early in the season, this is a battle of the bottom of the west. With Memphis relying heavily on Desmond Bane for offensive production, they’ve managed to average 106 points per game, which is bottom-five in the west. For Memphis fans, this matchup might show a little bit of hope. Utah has been allowing their opponents to score an average of 121 points per game, which is the fourth highest in the league. The emergence of a point-first Jordan Clarkson has been a blessing in disguise for Utah as they’ve lowered their turnover numbers from past years. Even with a small sample size, the current average (15 TOs) is the lowest it has been since the 2021-22 season. Even with the records not looking great for either team, this will be a game that can either boost morale or dig the hole deeper.

Key to the Game

Defense. Both teams have struggled to find success in the win column to start the season, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they are lacking in the defense department. Memphis is currently seventh in the league in blocks with 6.8 per game behind Jaren Jackson Jr. and Xavier Tillman. Memphis is also tied fifth in the league in steals with 9.3 per game with Marcus Smart being at the forefront. Utah has only allowed seven steals per game, which is sixth in the league. With Walker Kessler having his breakout game of the season on Monday, expect to see him try and make a difference in the paint for this matchup with his blocking ability.

Injury Report

Memphis – Steven Adams (knee) Out, Santi Aldama (ankle) Out, Brandon Clarke (Achilles) Out, Ja Morant (suspension) Out, Derrick Rose (knee) Out

Utah – Josh Christopher (G League) Out, Taylor Hendricks (G League) Out, Johnny Juzang (G League) Out, Micah Potter (G League) Out, Brice Sensabaugh (G League) Out

Where to Watch

Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. MST on KJZZ and Jazz+.

Author

Written by

Alma Bean

I am currently a student at the University of Utah working toward my second bachelor’s degree, this time in communication with an emphasis in journalism. I currently have a bachelor’s degree in music from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida. As I pursue a degree in communication, I dream to bring this emphasis of journalism to the world of sports. When I’m not writing, I allow my inner basketball fan to come out as I watch previous games and highlights across the NBA to become a walking, talking sports almanac.

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