Free NBA Picks Today: Memphis Grizzlies vs Utah Jazz 1/8/23

Defense meets offense when the Memphis Grizzlies (25-13, 15-3 Home) host the Utah Jazz (20-22, 8-15 Away) Sunday. Utah is playing the second of a back-to-back after being defeated by the Chicago Bulls 126-118 at United Center yesterday.

Lauri Markkanen led the way in the loss with 28 points. The Jazz are the 10th seed in the Western Conference. Memphis won their fifth in a row on Thursday at Amway Center, beating the Orlando Magic 123-115.

Ja Morant tallied 32 points to top the scoresheet. With 31 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks, Jaren Jackson Jr. also had an impressive game. The Grizzlies are second in the Western Conference, zero games behind the Denver Nuggets.

The teams are meeting for the last time this season. Utah will be pursuing a season sweep against Memphis after earning the win in both of their prior meetings, the most recent of which was a 121-105 victory at Vivint Arena in October 2022, their third straight head-to-head victory.

Markkanen led the Jazz with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks. Morant had 37 points in defeat. Markkanen is averaging 24.6 points per game to lead the Jazz in scoring this season. Markkanen also has grabbed 8.3 rebounds per game.

Meanwhile, Mike Conley is dishing 7.6 assists. Morant has powered the Grizzlies on offense, averaging 27.2 points per game. He has the 10th-best scoring average in the league.

Morant also has recorded 8.0 assists per game, fifth-most in the NBA. Steven Adams has averaged 11.2 rebounds per game. The Grizzlies are leaders in defensive efficiency in the league, while the Jazz rank fourth in offensive efficiency.

The Jazz have found success in recent trips to FedExForum, winning seven of the last 10. Meanwhile, the Jazz are 4-6 when playing two days in a row this season and 3-3 in such games against opponents with at least a day of rest.

The Grizzlies are 2-3 with a rest advantage. Utah is 3-7 in the last 10 games with an average margin of -0.6 (118.6-119.2). Memphis has gone 6-4 over the last 10, scoring 114.9 points per game on average while allowing 110.5 (+4.4 margin).

JAZZ HOT/COLD

(Last Five | Season Average | Differential)
Points + Rebounds + Assists:
Kelly Olynyk: 14.0 | 20.1 | -6.1
Points per game:
Lauri Markkanen: 34.0 | 24.6 | +9.4
Kelly Olynyk: 6.4 | 12.0 | -5.6

GRIZZLIES HOT/COLD

(Last Five | Season Average | Differential)
Points + Rebounds + Assists:
Steven Adams: 28.2 | 21.3 | +6.9
Santi Aldama: 9.3 | 15.6 | -6.3
Rebounds per game:
Steven Adams: 16.4 | 11.2 | +5.2
Ja Morant: 4.2 | 6.0 | -1.8
Assists per game:
Tyus Jones: 6.0 | 4.7 | +1.3