Free NBA Pick: Grizzlies vs. Jazz NBA Odds
Looking for Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz free NBA picks & NBA odds? NBA betting sees the Grizzlies taking on the Jazz on Monday, October 31st, 2022 at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, UT. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions like this Grizzlies Jazz matchup.
2022 NBA Handicapping
(4-2) Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz (5-2)
Date: Monday, October 31st
Time: 9:00 PM EST
Venue: American Airlines Center
NBA Moneyline Odds: Grizzlies -167 | Jazz +140 (Bet Now!)
NBA Betting Odds: Grizzlies -3.5
NBA Betting Total: 234.5
Monday, October 31st the Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz will complete their two-game baseball style series. Utah won the opening match in a nail biter (124-123) smashing the 231.5 over/under.
The teams will play a total of four times with Memphis hosting matches on January 8th and February 15th.
Last season, the teams played three times with the Grizzlies taking two of the three contests. The Jazz have won 64 of the 99 matches played versus the Grizzlies all-time.
Memphis Grizzlies
The one point loss to the Jazz is less concerning when you consider Ja Morant was sidelined due to a non-COVID illness. Obviously Memphis failed to cover the spread which means they’re .500 in that regard this season despite possessing a winning (4-2) record.
There are some red flags being raised however, even this early in the season. Clearly, ranking 28th defensively is far from the objective Taylor Jenkins set for his team especially since they ranked sixth last year.
Realistically, the Grizzlies won’t reach their defensive potential until Jaren Jackson Jr. returns but their opening schedule has been on the easier side of the equation which is why they shouldn’t be struggling this much defensively.
It could just be the team shaking off the rust since they started out slowly last season too and finished strong as the second seed overall and as noted the sixth ranked defense.
Helping their cause, Memphis ranks first offensively as well as first in points per game (120.3). The opposite end of the spectrum is they’re allowing 121.5 points per game which unbelievably isn’t the worst mark in the league (27th).
At some point Jenkins will insist upon a more strident effort and better balance between offense and defense but as long as they’re still winning it isn’t a major talking point (yet).
John Konchar (shoulder) is probable, while Morant (illness) and Jake LaRavia (illness) are questionable for Monday. Ziaire Williams (knee – mid Dec) Jackson Jr. (foot – late Dec) and Danny Green (ACL -mid Feb) are out.
Utah Jazz
There are specific palpable takeaways from this latest Jazz victory. While Memphis was missing their two best players (Morant and Jackson) the reality is the Jazz still had to have the mental fortitude to fight for the victory versus a deep Memphis club.
Utah’s starting lineup features players who would at best be the third or fourth option on a playoff squad and more accurately four of their five starters would be bench players on a contender (Lauri Markkanen being the exception).
That factor alone offers some insights about this new version of the Jazz and the man in charge. Danny Ainge is arguably the best trade thief in the NBA and while he recognizes talent, more importantly he can spot character.
With all due respect to Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert who excel in their roles, it begs the question if Ainge viewed them as lacking grittiness or the killer instinct he covets from his players.
Ainge is loading up on draft picks in search of a generational talent, but based on the assets he insisted on being part of the deals he brokered it’s clear a priority of his rebuild will be adding players like Kelly Olynyk, Collin Sexton, and Jarred Vanderbilt who exude that killer instinct DNA.
All three might not survive the trade deadline but it wouldn’t be surprising if Ainge elects to hang onto Olynyk to assume the primary leadership role and keep the incoming youngsters focused on the gritty identity desired.
It’s assumed Will Hardy had the in as the new head coach because of his Boston ties, but don’t forget he came up through the Spurs organization and is part of Gregg Popovich’s coaching tree.
To that end, it’s no coincidence the other surprise standout of the early season is San Antonio who preseason experts universally cited as the worst team with some suggesting they might challenge the record for the fewest wins in a season (whoopsie).
My point is if you scan the best run organizations they all have the common denominator of valuing character as much as they do talent.
That’s why franchises like the Spurs, Heat and Raptors are continually finding gems late in the draft (even undrafted) who often ascend to contributing roles while their lottery counterparts either fizzle out or fail to reach their projected ceiling.
All this to say, don’t be fooled by this early season success. Ainge is drooling at the prospect of winning the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes. Ultimately, his greatest challenge might end up being getting this roster full of character to stop trying so hard to win!
Rudy Gay (illness), Mike Conley (illness), Walker Kessler (illness), and Simone Fontecchio (illness) are all questionable.
NBA Betting Trends:
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis’ last 5 games.
- Utah are 4-8 ATS in their last 12 games.
- Memphis are 3-12 SU in their last 15 games against Utah.
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah’s last 5 games at home.
Free Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz NBA Prediction:
Although Morant might miss this second game the young Grizzlies are feisty and possess the same grittiness I noted above from the Jazz roster.
Pride alone will equate to Memphis coming out with a chip on their shoulders and a few guys who’ll be willing to bring a playoff intensity instead of dropping two games in a row just because their star is out.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Grizzlies ATS
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