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The Memphis Grizzlies with battle the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Grizzlies-Jazz prediction and pick.
These teams are in vastly different positions as the postseason approaches. The Grizzlies don't have much at stake here, as they've essentially locked up the second seed in the Western Conference. Memphis doesn't have much to play for here, but the opposite is true for the Jazz. Utah only has a game-and-a-half lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves for the sixth seed, a lead that they must maintain as the season comes to a close. If the Timberwolves, who also play on Tuesday night, catch up to the Jazz, Utah could be forced to play in the dreaded play-in tournament. A win here would go a long way in securing Utah's playoff seeding, making this a huge game.
Here are the Grizzlies-Jazz NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Grizzlies-Jazz Odds
Memphis Grizzlies: +6 (-112)
Utah Jazz: -6 (-108)
Over: 226 (-110)
Under: 226 (-110)
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Why The Grizzlies Could Cover The Spread
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The Grizzlies' unique style of offense should find success in this game. Memphis relies on a fast-paced, run-and-gun attack, which should play well against the Jazz. Utah allows 12 fast break points per game, which is right around league average. They also commit 14 turnovers per game, which should allow the Grizzlies to get out in transition frequently. These teams have played each other twice, and Memphis has scored 119 points in each meeting. It's fair to expect a similar result in this one.
The Jazz are in the middle of a huge losing stretch. Utah has dropped six of their last seven games, including bad losses to Los Angeles Clippers and the Charlotte Hornets. Their only win came against the Los Angeles Lakers, which isn't exactly an achievement. There's something to be said for momentum, and the Jazz have exactly none of it as they come into this game with Memphis.
Why The Jazz Could Cover The Spread
The Grizzlies will play this game without some key pieces. Superstar point guard Ja Morant is dealing with a long-term knee injury, and starting forward Dillon Brooks is doubtful because of some hip soreness. Those are two key starters that won't take the floor in this game, leaving the Grizzlies to deploy backups against one of the better teams in the West. Memphis will start Tyus Jones and Ziaire Williams in place of Morant and Brooks, weakening their lineup significantly.
Home court advantage will play a big part in this game. The Jazz have been far more comfortable at home this season, earning a 71% winning percentage in Vivint Arena and a 47% winning percentage everywhere else. Memphis has also been slightly worse on the road than they have been at home. Expect Utah to defend their home court with ferocity in what has turned into a must-win contest. The stakes attached to this game also need to be taken into consideration. The Grizzlies are playing without two starters in what is essentially a meaningless game for them. The Jazz are playing to avoid the play-in tournament, which should mean that Utah is playing their hardest.
Final Grizzlies-Jazz Prediction & Pick
This is a straightforward pick. The Jazz should be favored by more against a Grizzlies team that's playing without two important starters. Expect Utah to dominate this game on their home floor and cover easily.
Final Grizzlies-Jazz Pick: Utah Jazz: -6 (-108)
