Grizzlies game preview: What to watch for against the Utah Jazz

The Grizzlies have just one game left before a much-needed All-Star break. Here is what to look out for as they face the Utah Jazz.

The Utah Jazz are back in town to take on the Memphis Grizzlies in tonight’s season wrap-up series between the two teams. As it stands, the Utah Jazz has the upper hand in the season series currently being ahead 2-1. Obviously, that can change tonight with a Memphis win in front of the home crowd. Memphis was able to come out on top in their last matchup, winning 119-109 last month.

Ja was able to put on a masterclass dropping a triple-double with 30pts, 10ast, and, and 10rbs in the win at home. With that being said, let’s take a look at a few key ways the Memphis Grizzlies can enter the All-Star break with a win.

Knock down open shots, continue to establish your defensive mindset

Right now, Memphis ranks 17th in the league in total shooting percentage. Not great, but also not horrible. Just meh. Luckily, the Grizzlies did add a sharpshooter over the trade deadline in Luke Kennard. However, don’t expect their shooting percentage to suddenly jump to the top five in the league. Before being traded to Memphis, Kennard had fallen out of the rotation for the Los Angeles Clippers. So, it’s fair to temper your expectations for him.

Defensively, they need to find a way to get more out of their backup bigs with Steven Adams still out. Every team wants to go into the All-Star Break with momentum, and doing that will help a lot. It’s essential for the Grizzlies to continue to establish their defensive mindset. You have a potential All-Defensive player in Dillon Brooks and the front-runner for DPOY in Jaren Jackson Jr. The Memphis Grizzlies rank 8th in the league in defense. Top 10 is good. Top five is better.

Make Ja and Jaren the focal point as they prepare for the All-Star game

The Grizzlies will send Jaren, and Ja, out to Utah for the All-Star Game later this week, Win this game and send them there with a win directly over the Utah Jazz for some bragging rights while representing Memphis. No one wants to go this next week knowing your team lost a home game, especially against the team that’ll host the All-Star Game. Making them the focal point in a win the Grizzlies need will be a nice way of sending them into the break. So, here’s to hoping the Grizzlies can even the season series, defeat the Utah Jazz at home tonight, and send your best two players back to Utah to represent Memphis with pride.