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After stealing Game 1 away, the Memphis Grizzlies have lost three straight games to the Utah Jazz. They have an opportunity to close out the series on Wednesday night and eliminate Memphis from the playoffs. The Grizzlies won't go down without a fight though, as their young roster is poised and hungry.
The Jazz have been a different team with the return of Donovan Mitchell to the lineup. Dillon Brooks has done as much as you could ask for defensively, but Mitchell proves to be too much on the offensive end. Utah's three-point shooting has killed Memphis, showing off their superior shooting skills that have helped the Jazz secure first place in the Western Conference.
Game 5 should be an exciting matchup. The Jazz hope to end the series and gain an extra day of rest, while the Grizzlies aim to remain in the playoff race. We've witnessed some excellent basketball so far in the postseason, and Wednesday night has the potential to provide the best game yet in this series. Here are three bold predictions for the Game 5 matchup between the Grizzlies and Jazz.
Ja Morant records a triple-double
Triple-doubles aren't as rare as they used to be all thanks to Russell Westbrook, but they're still an incredible achievement in the NBA. Ja Morant is the best player on this young Grizzlies team, and he'll be doing everything he can to keep them in the postseason. We could be in for a career night for the young star.
Morant has already recorded a few triple-doubles in his first two years of his career and we could see him achieve another one in Game 5 against the Jazz. The Grizzlies will lean on their rising star, as he'll aim to do everything on Wednesday night. Look for Morant to have a monster game, as he gives Memphis their best chance of winning.
Donovan Mitchell drops 40+
Donovan Mitchell has been on a tear since his return to the lineup. Memphis has no answers for him, as he seemingly scores at will. Utah's superstar shooting guard will look to set the tone in Game 5.
With a trip to the second round on the line, we should see Mitchell's fingerprints all over this game. He is a player who loves the big moments and shines when the spotlight is on him. Mitchell dropping 40+ points should be enough for the Jazz to end the Grizzlies postseason aspirations.
Grizzlies improve from three-point range
Memphis shot a measly 28.6% from three-point range in Game 4, which ultimately led to their demise. The Jazz shot 50% from beyond the arc and had a 21 point advantage in that area. Had the Grizzlies been able to either, defend the perimeter, or hit their deep shots, Memphis could have walked away victorious in Game 4.
Heading into Wednesday night's game, the Grizzlies have a choice. They could either do everything they can to slow down Utah's three-point shooting or improve their shots from deep. Considering the Jazz are the best three-point shooting team in the league, it'd be easier for the Grizzlies to hit their shots. This is a point of emphasis for Memphis, as they're literally going to live or die by the three.
