The 50-loss Utah Jazz comes to town tonight to take on the Memphis Grizzlies in their third matchup of the season. The Grizzlies won the first two matchups of the season series and are currently on a three-game winning streak against the Jazz in their regular season schedule overall.
With the Jazz destined for the NBA lottery and potentially the first pick of the NBA draft with the second-worst record in the NBA, the Grizzlies are looking to reverse their recent four-game losing streak with a four-game winning streak. A victory tonight would also give the Grizzlies the season series win and give them a winning record in March.
The Jazz are currently on a six-game losing streak with all losses coming since March began. While the Grizzlies are expected to win big with an 11.5-point spread (ESPNBET Sportsbook), they have a couple of questions on the injury front from their frontcourt members.
Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke are available against the Jazz
Grizzlies' star power forward Jaren Jackson Jr. has been sidelined with a grade 2 ankle sprain since suffering the injury early in their loss to the Atlanta Hawks on March 3rd. He has missed four consecutive games and is ruled out for tonight's matchup against the Jazz, his second time out against them after missing their season-opening victory over them in Utah on October 23rd.
The Grizzlies' sixth man and backup frontcourt member, Santi Aldama, has missed four of the team's last five games with a calf strain. He is also ruled out for tonight's matchup against the Jazz, his second time out against them after missing their matchup in Memphis on January 25th.
The Grizzlies' frontcourt depth has taken a hit over the last week and a half and took the biggest of hits when starting center Zach Edey and backup big man Brandon Clarke were ruled out in their victory over the Phoenix Suns on March 10th. After being ruled as questionable coming into their matchup with the Jazz tonight, Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke are available to play.
The availability gives the Grizzlies two of their primary rotation members and some bodies to compete with Utah's Walker Kessler. Although both players are available, expect GG Jackson to start his second game of the season next to Edey with Clarke maintaining his bench role with either Jay Huff, Lamar Stevens, or Marvin Bagley as his running mate.