The Utah Jazz face off against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. Utah secured the top seed and home-court advantage throughout the postseason. Home court will be huge for Utah in this Grizzlies Jazz series, as it had the best home record in the league at 31-5 during the regular season. Memphis made an improbable run through the end of the regular season and two play-in games and will now be tested against one of the best teams in basketball.
Grizzlies vs. Jazz Series Odds (Updated 5/31)
Grizzlies-Jazz Series Winner
Utah Jazz (-3000)
Grizzlies-Jazz Series Spread
Memphis Grizzlies +2.5 (+100)
Utah Jazz -2.5 (-122)
Grizzlies-Jazz Series Schedule
Game 1: MEM 112-109 UTA
Game 4: MEM 129-141 UTA
Game 3: UTA 121-111 MEM
Game 4: UTA 120-113 MEM
Game 5: MEM 110-126 UTA
No. 1 Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz will begin their quest for an NBA title with a first-round series against a team that wouldn't have been in the postseason before the rule change in 2021. The Jazz put together a phenomenal season behind solid coaching, elite 3-point shooting, a bounce-back year from Mike Conley, a breakout year from Jordan Clarkson, a stellar D from Rudy Gobert, and another All-Star appearance for Donovan Mitchell. That doesn't even tell the whole story, but it just goes to show how much this team has going for them as they begin their postseason journey.
Utah has been one of the quietest teams in the league because of their “boring” style of play and their lack of off-the-court distractions. That, along with the fact that they play in Utah, will provide a unique lack of pressure for a now experienced squad. The Jazz haven't had these sort of expectations since the Karl Malone and John Stockton days. Utah's home court dominance and top-five offensive and defensive efficiency make them a juggernaut in the west and give them the clear advantage over a team that they swept during the regular season.
No. 8 Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies are more excited about their future than their chances against the top-seeded Utah Jazz. Memphis reached the play-in tournament and gained valuable playoff experience heading into the first round. After handling the Spurs in the first game, Ja Morant led the charge as Memphis defeated the Warriors in Golden State to advance. The young point guard will lead the charge as this fast and hungry squad looks to make some noise and give Utah a run for their money. Memphis brings a level of intrigue to this series behind its exciting and electrifying style of play.
It's interesting to note that although the Grizzlies are in the playoffs, they are still limiting Jaren Jackson Jr.'s playing time. The young forward is a vital part of this team's present and future success. He and Jonas Valanciunas together can do a lot of damage down on the blocks. The two led the charge for a frontcourt that led the league in paint scoring at 55.8 points per game. Utah allowed the ninth-most points in the paint this year, which adds a little intrigue to this series as well. If Ja Morant can continue to penetrate and Jonas can keep up his recent level of play, watch out for this Grizzlies squad.
Games 1-3 update: The Grizzlies jumped on the Jazz in Game 1 with Donovan Mitchell still nursing an injured ankle, but Utah bounced back to take the next two games and control of the series.
Game 4 update: Another strong performance by Donovan Mitchell allowed the Jazz to win their third straight, taking control of the series as they head back to Utah.
Grizzlies-Jazz Series Prediction and Pick (5/27)
The Utah Jazz should and will end up winning this series, but I'm not so quick to predict a sweep or a comfortable victory. The clashing styles will certainly add some fireworks and the Grizzlies are ultimately playing with nothing to lose. They are excited to be here and will look to build momentum going into next season. I can't say I see this series going the distance, but don't be surprised if Memphis wins a couple of games. The Jazz are a team with championship aspirations. That's what will make the ultimate difference in crunch time as the series unfolds.
FINAL PICKS
Grizzlies-Jazz Series Winner: Utah Jazz (-700)
Grizzlies-Jazz Series Spread: Utah Jazz -1.5 (-176)
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