Grizzlies vs Jazz NBA Picks
The Grizzlies are playing some really good basketball right now. They are 13-5 since the All-Star break and have climbed all the way to seventh in the West standings. Phoenix, Dallas and them are separated by just a half game but only two of those three can make the playoffs. [ad-4468020]
Memphis Grizzlies (42-28) vs. Utah Jazz (23-48)
Wednesday March 26
Energy Solutions Arena – Salt Lake City, UT
10:30PM
Moneyline: No moneyline currently listed
Spread: Memphis -7.5
Total: 187.5
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ATS Matchup Insight | CP Insider Gambling Preview
Memphis
That means that Memphis can ill afford to lose a game they are supposed to win like on the road against a team with no chance of making the playoffs like Utah.
Memphis is a defense first team but they had an explosion of 109 points against Minnesota Monday night.
It was encouraging to see PG Mike Conley lead the team with 23 points as was the bench production from the likes of Ed Davis and Mike Miller. This team is built more for playoff basketball which can make it a chore to watch them during the regular season.
Their offense can be very frustrating.
I am not a fan of giving up this much chalk on the road, especially with a team prone to offensive struggles. Therefore I would look the other way on this one. Memphis will get the win they need but the value is all on the visitors.
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They have nothing to lose and are at home.
I expect this will come down to the final possession or two.
Utah
The Jazz broke a 6 game losing streak on the weekend but then started another Monday night against Detroit, losing by 20 at home. This is a completely lost season for the Jazz and I am not sure how they are putting together their team.
I know it probably isn’t fair but when they had Stockton and Malone they had an identity. I don’t know what this team is other than bad. They have the worst record in the West.
The lone bright spot for me this year is the development of forward Derrick Favors. It has only taken 4 season but he has become a productive player with upside. He can hold his own on the block and can rebound the ball.
He and Enes Kanter could become a nice underrated duo inside. On the perimeter they are putting too much on Trey Burke becoming Steph Curry. If it happens this team could make a leap but I haven’t seen much of that so far.
I know I wrote above to back the Jazz in this one but I am not really suggesting that this is a sharp play.
The value is on their side but the numbers don’t lie – they are below .500 ATS at home.
They used to have one of the best home court advantages around but you have to have talent too.
Spread prediction: Utah +7.5
Totals prediction: Under
Score prediction: Memphis 90 – Utah 84
