Let’s Give the Jazz the Blues: Grizz vs. Jazz Preview

Posted on January 8, 2017 by Carmen Patton

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The Memphis Grizzlies (23-16) will play their first home game of 2017 tonight against the Utah Jazz (23-15). They’re returning home briefly after a 4 game West Coast road trip (SAC, LAL, LAC, GSW) that started well and ended well, with some unexpected losses in-between. The Jazz will be on the 2nd night of a back to back after squeaking out a win in Minnesota against the Timberwolves last night, 94-92. These two teams have already seen each other twice this season, and they’re 1-1. They’re two of the league’s best defensive teams with two of the league’s slowest paces.

Here’s how they looked head to head against each other this season:

Points per Game: Grizzlies won by 6 on November 14 in Utah (102-96). Jazz won by 9 on December 18 in Memphis (82-73).

Field Goals: Grizzlies averaged 37.9 percent versus 46.8 percent by the Jazz.

3 PT Field Goals: Grizzlies averaged 22.7 percent versus 29.1 percent by the Jazz.

Rebounds: Grizzlies led in rebounds in both match-ups.

Turnovers: Ironically, the team that won turned the ball over the most in each match-up.

Bench Points: The Grizzlies bench has outscored the Jazz bench in each match-up.

Steals: Oddly enough, the team that lost led in steals in each match-up.

Blocks: The Jazz have blocked more shots.

George Hill has seen various injuries this season; so, tonight will be the first night that the Grizzlies face this team with him at the helm. In fact, yesterday was the first time that the Jazz have seen their roster completely healthy. The Grizzlies are still trying to get there. What are the keys to getting the win tonight?

1.) Consistent play on both ends of the court…for 48 minutes.

The Grizzlies are still looking for consistency. It is their Achilles heel. If they can ever find it (and keep it), they’re truly a force to be reckoned with. Defense typically leads to offense for this team. They’ve got to come out and impose their will on this Jazz team from the opening tip to the final buzzer and let that lead them into their offense.

2.) Leadership from Gasol and Conley.

In the loss to the Jazz this season, both Conley and Gasol shot under 20 percent. In the win, Gasol shot at 52.9 percent and Conley shot at 50 percent. These two have to lead whether they’re on the court or on the bench. They’ve got to be verbal, and they’ve got to be aggressive.

Many are looking at this as a battle of the centers, Gasol vs. Gobert. However, you can’t afford to overlook the success that this Jazz team has with George Hill at the helm as point guard. So, the Conley vs. Hill battle is just as important tonight.

3.) Everyone understanding their role and playing well in it.

Whether they play 5 minutes or 35 minutes, each player has to know what they’re meant to do when they’re in the game. They need to know their defensive assignments and move the ball offensively to wreak havoc on the Utah defense. The Grizzlies are going to have to trust each other and not over-help on defense.

The bench very well could make the difference in this game. If the starters don’t put them in a position where they have to play from behind and they play at an optimal level, the bench could be the x-factor in this game.

For all those looking for national coverage, the Grizzlies vs. Utah game will be the feature game on NBA-TV tonight. After the comeback win on Friday against the league leading Warriors, all eyes are on this team. So, make your way down to Fed Ex Forum tonight for the 7 p.m. tip-off to pack out the Grindhouse and support the home team.

Tonight is a Rock ‘N Save Some Dough promotion night at Fed Ex Forum where you can get a Terrace level ticket, slice of pizza and a collectible mug starting at $20 (see grizzlies.com for details). Additionally, StubHub has tickets as low as $6.

Whether you tune in at home or make your way down to 191 Beale, be sure that you’re supporting the home team as they look to swap places with the Jazz in the Western Conference standings tonight. Go Grizz!

**Stats from nba.com**