The Utah Jazz are Memphis-bound Wednesday night, and no, they’re not staying for the barbecue. Well, perhaps that’s one reason they’ll stick around, but they’ve got a basketball game to play, and against one of the Western Conference’s most fearsome foes.
The Grizzlies — now with Ja Morant back on the roster — are a dangerous squad and a defensive nightmare for teams like Utah that struggle to find consistent offense from night to night.
For this meeting with the Grizzlies, however, Utah won’t have to worry about Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner, and notable human alliteration Jaren Jackson Jr, as the former Michigan State Spartan is out with injury.
So who else should the Jazz watch out for as they clash with a den of Grizzlies?
A notable figure in this one is Jaylen Wells, who is the current runner-up for Rookie of the Year honors. Wells has been exceptional with the already competitive Memphis Grizzlies in his inaugural professional season. Still a ways behind Stephon Castle, the Spurs’ super youngster who may just run away with the award this season, Wells can make a statement against a less-than-stellar defensive front with the Jazz.
Averaging 11 points per night on strong efficiency, the Washington State product has delivered the Grizzlies another punch to utilize come playoff time. If this rookie wants a shot at the Rookie of the Year Award, it starts with a statement performance.
Zach Edey, another Memphis selection in the most recent NBA Draft, began the season as the odds-on favorite to win the coveted rookie crown.
This season hasn’t gone quite according to plan for Edey, however, as the “Edey should be a second-round pick” crowd is gaining momentum as we advance further into the season. Slow and plodding, Edey has struggled against the improved strength combined with speed of the average NBA big man.
This isn’t college anymore, and Walker Kessler could prove to be another insurmountable obstacle for Edey at the rim.
These teams square off from vastly different positions in the NBA standings. This meeting could confirm or confound the general understanding of the league.
Utah Jazz vs Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report
Utah Jazz Injuries:Keyonte George – OutJaden Springer – Game-time decisionJordan Clarkson – Game-time decisionLauri Markkanen – Game-time decision
Oscar Tshiebwe – Game-time decision
Memphis Grizzlies Injuries:Zyon Pullin – OutBrandon Clarke – Game-time decisionZach Edey – Game-time decisionSanti Aldama – Out
Jaren Jackson Jr. – Out
This game will tip off at 6:00 p.m. Mountain Time and will be televised on KJZZ and SEG+.
