Memphis Grizzlies At Utah Jazz Preview
The Memphis Grizzlies will head to Utah to face the Jazz looking to build momentum with the return of Matt Barnes to the lineup.
Could a win streak be on the horizon for the Memphis Grizzlies?
Perhaps. But the Utah Jazz aren’t pushovers thanks to their own style of defense and scoring from low-post star Derrick Favors and top forward Gordon Hayward.
Both Favors and Hayward are combining for 35.8 points per game on 47.4 percent shooting from the field. They’ve been efficient two-way players for the Jazz all season and are huge factors in shutting down the Grizzlies’ plans to win this game.
Fortunately Memphis has picked up its defensive effort of late holding opponents to 93.0 points per game over its last six and winning four of those contests. Defensively the focus is there for the Grizzlies, but will the offense be able to score enough points to keep the streak alive?
Nathan’s Keys To The Game
1. Contain Gordon Hayward
Hayward has quietly become one of the top five small forwards in the NBA. His 19.0 points per game on 42.4 percent shooting including 39.7 percent from three-point range make him Utah’s top offensive weapon, but the Grizzlies have the roster to limit his production.
Considering he takes only 35.4 percent of his shots from within 10 feet, Hayward is a jump shooter and not much of a slasher, even though he’s great at finishing on shots at the rim (64.8 percent on shots within three feet of the basket).
Memphis has top perimeter defenders in Mike Conley and Tony Allen who know how to get up on shooters and force them into spots on the floor where they’re not comfortable. Just ask Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
The product of modern NBA efficiency, Hayward shoots well on lay-ups and three-point shots but struggles everywhere else. Limiting him to mid-range attempts is Memphis’ top defensive focus heading into this game.
2. Get Marc Gasol Going
This is a key to every game for the Grizzlies because Marc Gasol is arguably the team’s best player, but now is the time to unleash him, especially since the Jazz are without their primary rim protector and post defender in Rudy Gobert.
Gasol’s versatility will play a big part in stretching out Utah’s defense creating driving lanes for players like Conley and Jeff Green.
More than capable of hitting on shots 15 feet and out, Gasol generally is a presence at the high post because of his perimeter skill and passing ability.
He runs the offense by playing out of the pick-and-pop but he has plenty of experience posting up and connecting on inside looks. Gasol is arguably the most talented big man on offense because of his unique skill set combining perimeter and post awareness.
Gasol taking and making shots draws the defense’s attention away from other players which gives him opportunities to assist on cuts to the basket and open three-point shots. Without a defensive player on the Jazz capable of challenging him all over the floor, Utah’s in for a rough night so long as the Grizzlies take advantage of all his strengths.
3. Force Trey Burke Inside
The other half of the Jazz’s outside arsenal has been on fire in his last two games.
Trey Burke has scored 50 points on 54.1 percent shooting from the field and has had a hot hand from beyond the arc.
Should the Grizzlies let Burke use his stroke from deep it could spell trouble for Memphis’ winning hopes.
The same thing that applies for Hayward stands here for Burke. For his career Burke hasn’t finished well inside only connecting on 51.2 percent of his shots within three feet of the rim and 32.3 percent out to ten feet.
Burke takes over 60 percent of his shots from the perimeter so forcing him inside and playing up on ball screens should limit any offensive outburst from the three-year guard.
Prediction
Utah has struggled on both ends of the floor this year. Memphis hasn’t had the best of seasons either, but the hot streak is enough to have them favorites in this game.
Gasol and Conley have the talent to lead a depleted Jazz team so long as the defensive identity remains intact for 48 minutes.
Grizzlies 96 Jazz 90