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 Sunday, May 23rd at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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.
2021 NBA Playoffs Handicapping Round 1
(0-0) Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz (0-0)
Date: Sunday, May 23rd
Time: 9:30 PM EST
Venue: Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah
NBA Moneyline Odds: Grizzlies +345 | Jazz -385
NBA Betting Odds: Jazz -8.5
NBA Betting Total: 215.5
On Sunday, May 23rd, the Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz will compete in the first game of the best of seven first-round series.
Remarkably this is the first time the clubs will face each other in post-season play.
It’s a bit of a David versus Goliath situation as the youthful Grizzlies get their first taste of postseason play with the intention of gaining experience. Conversely, the Jazz is looking to ride their league-best record to a deep run with visions of a championship.
That said, there are some compelling sidebars to this series with Mike Conley facing Ja Morant. The former was the face of the Grit and Grind Memphis era while his trade to Utah became possible with the addition of new captain Morant.
The Jazz holds the all-time record between the clubs with 62 wins in 95 meetings. The Jazz swept the three games in the regular season and hold a current six-game win streak versus the Grizzlies.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have defied the odds, the naysayers, and the officials to reach the postseason. Defeating the Warriors in the final play-in game was impressive given the officials seemed to be doing everything possible to thwart that opportunity.
While it’s likely the league wanted to ensure Stephen Curry’s path to the postseason, Morant offered up reasons to pay attention as his star rises.
With his big men in foul trouble, Morant led his team with 35 points, six rebounds, six assists, and four steals. The point guard took some heat for his inconsistent shooting but nailed half (5 of 10) his 3-pointers and took over in clutch time to cement the victory.
Jonas Valanciunas has been spectacular (when he’s not getting whistled for phantom fouls) but will face a major challenge trying to replicate that success versus defensive master Rudy Gobert.
Sean McDermott (left foot soreness) is out.
Utah Jazz
Last season when Rudy Gobert became the first NBA player to test positive for COVID-19 and subsequently Donovan Mitchell also tested positive it felt like a turning point for the Jazz.
Mike Conley had failed to fit in during his first season, Bojan Bogdanovic suffered a wrist injury, and Joe Ingles seemed to struggle in his new role.
While so much struggle and adversity could’ve resulted in driving a wedge in the team instead they reaped the benefits of their newfound chemistry.
Conley now more comfortable in Quin Snyder’s system was arguably the more important backcourt starter affecting the game on both ends. Ingles rediscovered his Swiss Army knife skillset and Bogdanovic was back to being a 3-point assassin.
Most importantly, Gobert and Mitchell had come out of the COVID situation stronger and with a newfound respect for how they could make each other better.
They’ve dealt with being ignored as a title contender all season and now will have the easier path to the Conference Finals facing a young upstart club who are exciting and willful but will be fortunate to win one game if the Jazz plays to their identity.
Ersan Ilyasova (non-COVID related illness) is questionable.
NBA Betting Trends:
- The Jazz are 7-3 in the last 10 head-to-head meetings.
- The teams are 5-5 ATS in the last 10 meetings between these clubs
- The over/under is 6-4 in the last 10 contests between the clubs
Free Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz NBA Prediction:
Valanciunas versus Gobert and Conley versus Morant will be key matchups. The bench units could provide the x-factor with the Grizzlies holding the edge although Jordan Clarkson will have something to say about that.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Jazz ATS
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