Utah Faces Memphis in Key Conference Showdown
This Friday, the Utah Jazz will take on the Memphis Grizzlies in an important Western Conference matchup. The game is set to start at 8 p.m. EST in Memphis, Tennessee.
Current Standings
The Jazz currently hold a record of 8-15, placing them 12th in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies are slightly better, with an 11-13 record, sitting in ninth place.
Performance Analysis
Memphis has performed well against Western Conference rivals, boasting a 10-7 record. They excel in assists, averaging 28.7 per game, ranking sixth in the NBA. Vince Williams Jr. leads the team with 5.4 assists per game.
In contrast, the Jazz struggle in conference play, with a 4-11 record. They are close in games, having a 2-3 record in matches decided by three points or fewer.
Shooting Statistics
- The Grizzlies shoot 44.9% from the field, which is 4.1 percentage points lower than the 49.0% the Jazz allow.
- Utah averages 13.4 made three-pointers per game, slightly below the 14.5 the Grizzlies permit.
Top Performers
Both teams feature standout players. For the Grizzlies:
- Santi Aldama averages 13.1 points and 6.5 rebounds.
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has hit an average of 3.0 three-pointers over the last 10 games.
For the Jazz:
- Keyonte George is performing impressively with 22.2 points and 6.7 assists.
- Kyle Filipowski has been a force, scoring 21.0 points and grabbing 10.0 rebounds while shooting 71.4% over the past 10 games.
Last 10 Games
Analyzing recent performances, the Grizzlies are 7-3 over their last ten games, averaging:
- 116.0 points
- 50.6 rebounds
- 30.5 assists
- 7.7 steals
- 5.1 blocks
They are shooting an effective 47.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.0 points.
The Jazz, however, have struggled with a 3-7 record in their last ten games, averaging:
- 115.9 points
- 40.9 rebounds
- 29.8 assists
- 8.1 steals
- 3.1 blocks
Utah’s shooting percentage stands at 47.1%, with opponents averaging 128.6 points against them.
Injury Updates
Injuries could impact the matchup significantly. The Grizzlies have several players out, including:
- Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe)
- Javon Small (toe)
- Brandon Clarke (knee)
- Ty Jerome (calf)
- Ja Morant (day to day, calf)
The Jazz are also dealing with injuries, notably:
- Georges Niang (out, foot)
- Walker Kessler (out for the season, shoulder)
- Lauri Markkanen (day to day, illness)
This upcoming game promises to be crucial for both teams as they compete for a better position in the crowded Western Conference standings.
