Basketball

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz NBA Playoffs Game 5 Preview

 
The Memphis Grizzlies look to avoid elimination when they visit the Utah Jazz in Game 5 of their best-of-seven first round series. The Jazz lost Game 1 112-109, with Donovan Mitchell (plus-4.1 Offensive Box Plus/Minus) out with an ankle injury. Mitchell returned in Game 2 and the Jazz prevailed 141-129. Then, they recovered home court advantage by winning Game 3 121-111 in Memphis and last Monday they beat the Grizzlies 120-113. Donovan Mitchell led the way with 30 points and eight assists, Jordan Clarkson had 24 points off the bench and Rudy Gobert added 17 points and eight rebounds. The X-factor has been Royce O’Neale, he was 3-for-5 from beyond the arc and now he’s made 12 of his 21 3-point attempts (57.14 percent) in this series.

The Jazz were the league’s best 3-point shooters in the regular season, making 16.7 per game and they finished with 17. Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 23 points, Dillon Brooks and Jaren Jackson Jr. added 21 points apiece and De’Anthony Melton finished with 15 points and five rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench. Melton has proven his ability to impact a game and he will likely get more playing time in Game 5, which will take place on Wednesday at 9:30 PM ET at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Dafanews Picks

Team to Win (Regular Time)
• Memphis Grizzlies: +425
• Utah Jazz: -550

Spread
• Memphis Grizzlies: +10.5
• Utah Jazz: -10.5

Total
• Over 226
• Under 226

Key Points to Consider

The Jazz really have it all. A floor general in Mike Conley, rim protection in Rudy Gobert, 3-and-D guys like Bojan Bogdanovic, Joe Ingles and Royce O’Neale, a hooper off the bench in Jordan Clarkson and they’re well-coached and play hard. They will go as far as Mitchell takes them. What level can he take his game to?

Speaking of high level, after averaging 33.7 points in the first three games of the series, the Jazz neutralized Ja Morant a bit. Morant still played well but he set the bar too high and the Grizzlies need him to really go off if they want to keep their season alive.

The Jazz are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 home games, 1-4 ATS in their last five playoff games as a favorite and 1-4 ATS in their last five games against a team with a winning straight up record. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 Wednesday games and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as a road underdog.

Projected Leaders

For the Jazz, Donovan Mitchell is projected to finish with 23.8 points, 4.1 assists and 3.8 rebounds, making 8.2 field goals in 18.3 attempts.

For the Grizzlies, Ja Morant is expected to score 28.5 points with 7.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds, making 11.2 field goals in 19.1 attempts.

Analyst’s Pick

Grizzlies +10.5.

Three-star (out of four) AccuScore hot trend pick on the Grizzlies in this one. Average score in simulations is Memphis Grizzlies 118.5 to Utah Jazz 112.5.

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Champions League, World Cup and many more.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Valencia pleads with La Liga for postponement of game against Real Madrid

Valencia have pleaded with the La Liga authorities to postpone its match with Real Madrid… Read More

October 31, 2024

Dubois gets permission to face new challenger

Daniel Dubois has been given the go-ahead from the International Boxing Federation (IBF) to fight… Read More

October 31, 2024

Manchester United faces a brick wall ahead of Amorim’s appointment

Manchester United has seen their attempt to appoint Rúben Amorim as Erik ten Hag's successor… Read More

October 31, 2024

Randal Kolo Muani set to leave PSG

Reports have emanated from France that Randal Kolo Muani could leave Paris Saint-Germain for as… Read More

October 31, 2024

Dortmund chief Sebastian Kehl drums support for Nuri Sahin despite early season woes

Nuri Sahin has come under fire after Borussia Dortmund's start this term, but has received… Read More

October 31, 2024

Chet Holmgren Shines as Thunder Defeat Spurs, Besting Rival Victor Wembanyama

In an early showdown between two of the NBA’s most promising young big men, Chet… Read More

October 31, 2024