Utah Jazz (2-7) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (1-7)
Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies 11/10/23 – As the Utah Jazz gear up to face the Memphis Grizzlies this Friday, NBA game previews are buzzing with anticipation for what looks to be a critical junction for both teams. The Jazz, sitting at 2-7, are eyeing a much-needed win at the FedExForum, a venue that has historically been a challenging battleground for visiting teams. The Grizzlies, with a record only slightly less underwhelming at 1-7, are equally desperate to claw back some dignity on their home court.
The Utah Jazz’s season so far can be likened to a turbulent flight. Despite a decent scoring average of 112.4 points per game and a robust 45.3 field goal percentage, their shaky defense has let them down, with the team allowing opponents to outscore them regularly. They’ve struggled to maintain consistency, evident in their 1-4 record against the spread (ATS) in their last 5 games, and their on-the-road performance has been nothing short of disastrous, as demonstrated by their 0-8 straight up (SU) record in recent away games.
On the other hand, the Memphis Grizzlies’ stats sheet tells a similar tale of woes and what-ifs. Scoring at a lower rate of 107.5 points per game and with a less effective shooting accuracy of 43.6%, their offensive efforts haven’t translated into victories. However, their defensive stats offer a silver lining, with an average of 9.1 steals and 6.8 blocks per game hinting at a resilience that could trouble the Jazz if properly harnessed.
Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies 11/10/23 Game Info
| When: | Friday, November 10, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | FedExForum |
| TV: | BSSE |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Lauri Markkanen (PF) vs. Desmond Bane (SG)
Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz has been an oasis in an otherwise dismal season, averaging 24 points and 8.8 rebounds per game while playing 33.1 minutes per game for Utah. Although his assist-to-turnover ratio could stand improvement, his presence on the court provides Utah with both reliable scoring options and strong defense.
Desmond Bane of the Memphis Grizzlies has outshone Markkanen in scoring, scoring 25.1 points per game while showing his all-around abilities with 3.9 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Bane offers both scoring threat and defensive nuisance for opposing teams; his higher assist-to-turnover ratio indicates more efficient game control – an essential trait against Utah Jazz defense.
When these two key players meet on the court, their encounter is more than a battle of wills; rather it represents a clash of philosophies. Markkanen’s size and scoring prowess from forward position will test Bane’s perimeter defense; while Bane’s agility and sharpshooting challenge Markkanen to defend against fast breaks or outside shots.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: Memphis Grizzlies -170, Total Odds: 230
The current betting odds favor the Memphis Grizzlies at -170 on the moneyline, with a -4.5 point spread, suggesting that despite their poor record, oddsmakers believe they have a slight edge over the Jazz at home. The total for the game is set at 230 points, reflecting the high-scoring nature of both teams and their defensive vulnerabilities.
Utah Jazz Betting Trends
Analyzing the Jazz’s betting trends, their recent form against the spread is concerning for bettors. Their inability to cover in 4 of their last 5 games implies a struggle to meet expectations. However, their ATS record against the Grizzlies is starkly opposite, standing at 5-0 in their last 5 matchups. This trend could serve as a beacon for those looking to back Utah, despite their broader struggles.
Memphis Grizzlies Betting Trends
The Grizzlies’ betting trends mirror their opponents’, with a 1-5 ATS record in their last 6 games signaling difficulty in playing up to the handicappers’ lines. The total has predominantly gone UNDER in their recent home games, suggesting tighter defensive play or offensive underperformance at FedExForum.
Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies 11/10/23 Betting Picks
Considering the data and the teams’ current trajectories, bettors should approach this game with a view of the underdog Jazz’s surprisingly strong ATS performance against Memphis. This, coupled with their offensive statistics, could make them a tempting pick against the spread. Additionally, the high OVER trends for both teams could indicate a scoring-heavy contest.
In final analysis, while the Grizzlies are the favorites, the Jazz’s favorable ATS history in this matchup and their scoring ability might sway the winning picks premium towards them, especially with the +4.5 spread. Prop bets on key players’ scoring totals might also be worth considering, given Markkanen and Bane’s offensive outputs.
Free Pick and Prediction: Utah Jazz 115, Memphis Grizzlies 110