The first Memphis–Utah meeting became lopsided after a close opening quarter. Memphis created extra possessions and found several shooters, while Utah has since shown stronger scoring and offensive rebounding at home. The rematch turns on which team converts those added attacks and which defense completes a stop late. Both clubs arrive after playing another game, so their current replacement roles matter.
Jerome's huge opener drew attention, but Memphis also made 15 threes in each of its next two games. Edey missed the Sacramento game; Stewart started and Boozer and Coward each took 11 rebounds as Memphis won the glass. Utah's George, Markkanen and Jackson offer a real scoring answer, yet the Jazz have also given away possessions and struggled to close the defensive end.
Nurkic has missed Utah's first three league games, while Memphis has already tested its center replacement group against Sacramento. Jerome can initiate without carrying every finish, and the Memphis wings can supply the next shot and rebound. That's why I'm siding with the Grizzlies to win.
