NBA 2021/22 on Saturday, 29.01.2022
The duel between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Utah Jazz simply cannot be missing from our NBA tips today. In fact, I see ideal conditions for another win for the home side in this match.
Although the visitors are a dangerous opponent in terms of their style of play, two important regulars will continue to be absent, which in turn will leave gaps that will be consistently punished by the Grizzlies’ dynamic offense.
I don’t know where the Grizzlies’ road will lead. But the fact is: Hardly any team convinces me more at the moment. And an important player like Dillon Brooks has been injured for weeks.
Nevertheless, the young guns have won 14 of their last 17 NBA games. On the other hand, they have only lost three games: one against the defending champions Milwaukee and two against the Mavs, which I correctly predicted.
The reason why I was so sure about the Mavericks in both cases? The same reason I’d trust the Jazz to beat Memphis in their best lineup, because both teams have ferocious defenses.
Top defence is what it takes to counter the Grizzlies’ offence. Otherwise, you run the risk of simply being overrun by them. Their output is enormous, as the NBA statistics show.
Over the last ten games, only the Timberwolves, Nuggets and Nets have averaged more points than Memphis (113.1). Ja Morant, in particular, has to be given a compelling assignment.
By the way, if the 22-year-old doesn’t get the “Most Improved Player” award, I would be beyond appalled.
Yes, Morant is improving from game to game! Yesterday alone, the explosive youngster contributed 41 points to his Grizzlies’ 118-110 win over the San Antonio Spurs. So Utah is warned!
But now we come to the point why I don’t give the visitors the same chances of success as I did the Mavericks last time. Utah’s defence is outstanding, but Rudy Gobert will most likely be out again.
Since the beginning of January, fans have been able to see what it means when the Frenchman is not permanently on the five. For the Yellow and Blue have now won just two of their last eleven NBA games and desperately need their strong centre back.
Rudy Gobert may return before the All-Star Break, according to recent reports, but it is known to take place on 18 February. By then, any help would likely be too late, and not just in the upcoming game against the Grizzlies.
But the misery of the franchise from Salt Lake City cannot only be attributed to the Frenchman. There is also a devastating loss on the offensive end, which will further diminish their chances of victory against Memphis.
We are talking about Donovan Mitchell, who suffered a head injury in the game against the Lakers on 17 January. According to reports, the guard could be on the floor tonight, but is considered more likely to play in the following game against Minnesota.
After all, a Grizzlies win is being offered at odds currently around 1.70 – a good offer given Ja Morant’s current form. A win for the Jazz, who I do not favour at all, is offered at around 2.20.
Conclusion: Like the Mavs, the Jazz have a strong defence, which is also the foundation for a win over Memphis. Because first and foremost, they have to cushion the onslaught of the young guns.
However, Rudy Gobert’s absence is a bitter blow for the visitors’ defence. Together with the injured Donovan Mitchell, the franchise from Salt Lake City has actually lost nine of its last eleven games.
To stop these Grizzlies, it will take the Jazz in top form. Especially since the home side have won 14 of their last 17 NBA games – but not only that, Ja Morant scored an outstanding 41 points against the Spurs yesterday.
My Grizzlies Jazz tip: Another “Win” by the phenomenal home side!
