Analyzing the Memphis Grizzlies’ Western Conference foes

6. Utah Jazz

Overview:

The Utah Jazz have the potential to be a team that scares every playoff opponent. Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert are shot-swatters in the paint. Gordon Hayward may be the one of the best non-All-Stars in the league. Rodney Hood is a emerging two-way threat. Australian point guard Dante Exum is returning after missing all last season with a torn ACL.

That is just its talent. This offseason, the Utah Jazz added consistent starting point guard George Hill, dynamic veteran scorer Joe Johnson, and Swiss-Army knife Boris Diaw. Under the guidance of Quin Synder and newly-acquired free agents, this young Utah team should transform into a dark-horse contender in the Western Conference.

Why the Memphis Grizzlies Could Win:

Opportunity

For the Memphis Grizzlies to take down the Utah Jazz, they must attack whoever is having a bad night and ride the hot hand. Whether it’s Gasol, Randolph, Conley or Parsons, the Grizzlies need a large scoring output from any of these four players to come out on top.

Furthermore, they must have some players step up off the bench. If the Memphis Grizzlies could receive solid production from their bench, that’ll slightly increase their chances of beating Utah.

Why the Memphis Grizzlies Could Struggle:

Poor Matchup

The Utah Jazz are terrible match-up for the Memphis Grizzlies. Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert have the length and defensive ability to make Randolph and Gasol’s nights miserable. Gordon Hayward and Chandler Parsons are bound to have a scoring competition.  A hot night for Hayward is a long night for the Memphis Grizzlies. In three games against Memphis, Rodney Hood scored 15.7 points on 41.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc. The only match-up the Grizzlies could win is the point guard position. On the other hand, if Synder sticks 6’6″ Dante Exum on Mike Conley, he’ll decrease his scoring opportunities.

Projected Record: 48-34

Next: 5. Memphis Grizzlies