Utah Jazz vs Memphis Grizzlies Pregame Analysis

by Alma Bean Feature Image by Jeffrey D. Allred of Deseret News. The Utah Jazz (2-7) looks to end their current four-game losing streak against the Memphis Grizzlies (1-7) in Utah’s inaugural in-season tournament qualifier game. What to Look For Being their second meeting in a still young season, both teams can take what they…

Alma Bean

November 10, 2023

1–2 minutes

Brandon Clarke, Brice Sensabaugh, Derrick Rose, Desmond Bane, GG Jackson II, Ja Morant, Jake LaRavia, Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Johnny Juzang, Josh Christopher, Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies, Micah Potter, NBA, Omer Yurtseven, Steven Adams, Taylor Hendricks, Utah Jazz, Walker Kessler, Xavier Tillman Sr., Ziaire Williams

by Alma Bean

Feature Image by Jeffrey D. Allred of Deseret News.

The Utah Jazz (2-7) looks to end their current four-game losing streak against the Memphis Grizzlies (1-7) in Utah’s inaugural in-season tournament qualifier game.

What to Look For

Being their second meeting in a still young season, both teams can take what they learned from their previous game. Utah looked like they couldn’t miss in their 133-109 win over Memphis last week and it was due to their ability to pass the ball to the open man. Combining for 35 assists in the game resulting in the team shooting 47/87 (54%) from the field and 22/43 (51.2%) from the perimeter. Utah’s biggest weakness in this game was turnovers and the free throw line. Having 21 turnovers, making Utah’s TO/AST ratio 1.67 for the game, gave Memphis multiple opportunities such as 12 steals, to take advantage of Utah’s mistakes. If players like Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart can still apply tough defense and force turnovers, Memphis should be able to make this game a close one.

Key of the Game

Paint presence. Without Walker Kessler protecting the paint for Utah, expect Memphis to make more of their game plan around Jaren Jackson Jr. down low. Though Jackson Jr. shot 5/17 (29.4%) in their last meeting, this was with arguably one of the best shot blockers from last season defending him. Needing to get a rotation to cover Jackson Jr., don’t be surprised if Omer Yurtseven receives additional minutes tonight. Though Lauri Markkanen and Kelly Olynyk both can be serviceable centers for Utah, they both need to stay within their roles in order for Utah to be successful a second go around.

Injury Report

Memphis – Steven Adams (knee) Out, Brandon Clarke (Achilles) Out, GG Jackson II (G League) Out, John Konchar (hip) Questionable, Jake LaRavia (foot) Doubtful, Ja Morant (suspension) Out, Derrick Rose (knee) Out, Xavier Tillman Sr. (knee) Out, Ziaire Williams (hip) Questionable

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

Where to Watch

Tip-off is at 6:00 p.m. MST on KJZZ and Jazz+.

One response to “Utah Jazz vs Memphis Grizzlies Pregame Analysis”

Bill Marticorena

November 11, 2023 at 10:45 pm

The details and stats are easy to follow and gave a great overview of how the game progressed. Alma should be on his way to a lucrative sport writing career.

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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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