Memphis Grizzlies vs Utah Jazz Picks and Predictions January 25th 2025

Memphis Grizzlies vs Utah Jazz January 25th 2025

At 8:00 ET, the Memphis Grizzlies (-534) will host the Utah Jazz (+400) in a Western Conference matchup. The Grizzlies are currently favored by 11 points over the Jazz. Memphis has won five straight games and is 30-15 on the season. Utah is 10-32 overall and has lost four in a row.

This game will be played at FedExForum in Memphis and can be seen on KJZZ.

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Jazz vs. Grizzlies Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Utah Jazz at Memphis Grizzlies
• Where: Memphis at FedExForum
• Date: Saturday, January 25th
• Betting Odds MEM -11, UTA +400 | MEM -534 O/U 245.5

The Jazz Can Win If…

The Jazz fell to 10-32 on the season after a 123-114 road loss to the Thunder on Wednesday. Utah entered the game as +16.5 point underdogs but managed to keep it closer than expected. The total score of 237 points went over the pre-game line of 232.5.

After an 11-0 run by the Thunder broke a 33-33 tie, Utah battled back to keep the game close, tying the 2nd quarter 26-26. The Jazz were down 95-89 heading into the 4th but couldn’t close the gap, as the Thunder outscored them 28-25 in the final period.

In their 123-114 loss to the Thunder, the Jazz shot 46.7% from the field and connected on 14 threes at a 37.8% clip. John Collins led the way with 22 points and 12 rebounds, hitting 66.7% from deep and 69.2% overall.

Collin Sexton added 18 points and 9 assists, while Walker Kessler contributed 17 points and 15 boards, shooting 80%. Lauri Markkanen also finished with 17 points, including 10 in the 2nd quarter.

Defensively, the Jazz had a strong 2nd quarter but struggled in the 3rd, giving up 38 points in their 123-114 loss to the Thunder. They did well in limiting Oklahoma City’s three-point shooting, holding them to 12 made threes on 30% shooting.

Utah sent the Thunder to the line 25 times, where they converted 23 free throws. The Jazz gave up 13 offensive rebounds while recording 3 steals and 6 blocks.

• Across their last three road contests, Utah has a 2-1 record vs the spread. Their overall mark in these games was 0-3, while averaging 118 points per game.
• As the betting underdog, the Jazz have an ATS mark of just 8-2 in their last ten games. Utah posted a straight up mark of 2-8 in these matchups.
• Over their last five games, the Jazz have an over/under record of 5-0 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.

The Grizzlies Can Win If…

With a 139-126 win over the Pelicans on Friday, the Grizzlies improved to 30-15 for the season. Memphis, favored by 9.5 points, covered the spread at home, and the game’s total of 265 points exceeded the O/U line of 243.5 by 21.5 points.

Memphis went on an 11-0 run to take the lead, turning the score from 76-67 to 78-76. After entering the 4th quarter with a 105-100 lead, they outscored the Pelicans 34-26 in the final period.

The Grizzlies put up 139 points in their win over the Pelicans, shooting 55.4% from the field and hitting 19 threes at a 45.2% clip. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way with 29 points, 15 of which came in the 3rd quarter, and he connected on 5 threes.

Luke Kennard added 27 points, hitting 7 threes at 77.8%, with 8 points in both the 1st and 3rd quarters. Desmond Bane contributed 20 points and 14 assists, scoring 14 points in the 3rd quarter alone.

The Grizzlies gave up 126 points to the Pelicans on Friday, including a rough 2nd quarter where they allowed 42 points. However, they tightened up in the 4th, giving up just 26 points to help secure the win.

Defensively, Memphis allowed New Orleans to shoot 54% from the field and 41% from three, with the Pelicans hitting 14 threes. The Grizzlies sent them to the line 32 times, where they made 22 free throws. Memphis also recorded 8 steals and 4 blocks.

• In their last three home games, Memphis has averaged 129 points per game while allowing 115. The team’s record in this stretch was 2-1 while going 3-0 vs. the spread.
• In their last five contests as the favorite, Memphis has a poor record vs the spread going 2-2-1. But, they still put together a straight up mark of 4-1.
• In their last three games, the Grizzlies have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 1-1-1 vs. the spread.

The Lean

We’re putting our money on the Grizzlies to win, and have the projected score sitting at 160-99. We also like them to cover the spread, so our recommendation is to bet on the Grizzlies at -11.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 245.5, and our model projects the Jazz and Grizzlies to reach a combined total of 259 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

Daily NBA Picks & Predictions

With Luke Kennard Shining, Grizzlies Host Struggling Jazz in Saturday Showdown

Two NBA teams moving in opposite directions meet on Saturday night as the red-hot Memphis Grizzlies host the slumping Utah Jazz. With contrasting performances in recent weeks, this matchup promises to highlight the strengths and struggles of both teams.

Grizzlies’ Momentum: Five Straight Wins and Counting

The Memphis Grizzlies enter Saturday’s game riding a five-game winning streak, including an impressive 139-126 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. Despite being without two-time All-Star Ja Morant and top reserve Santi Aldama due to illness, the Grizzlies displayed their depth and offensive prowess. Memphis leads the league in scoring, averaging 123.6 points per game, and they showcased that firepower in a dominant second-half performance against New Orleans.

Luke Kennard Steps Into the Spotlight

A major catalyst for the Grizzlies’ recent success has been guard Luke Kennard, who has emerged as a key contributor during this stretch. Kennard delivered a breakout performance on Wednesday in a 132-120 win over the Charlotte Hornets, scoring 23 points off the bench while hitting 7 of 11 three-pointers. When Morant missed Friday’s game, Kennard stepped into the starting lineup and recorded a season-high 27 points, shooting a blistering 10-of-14 from the field and 7-of-9 from beyond the arc.

Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins praised Kennard’s aggressive mindset, noting his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

“Luke set a tone in the starting lineup,” Jenkins said. “His knocking down 3s was big time. He’s scoring in transition, scoring off relocation, and playmaking in key situations.”

Kennard attributed his recent success to being more involved in the offense.

“When you have the ball in your hands, you have to stay focused and make the right play,” Kennard said. “Coach knows that if I get into a rhythm early, it helps me stay aggressive throughout the game.”

Desmond Bane: The Playmaker

Another standout for Memphis has been shooting guard Desmond Bane, who has seamlessly taken over point guard duties in Morant’s absence. Against the Pelicans, Bane recorded 14 assists, including eight in the first half. Though his shot wasn’t falling early (1-of-6 in the first half), he maintained his aggressiveness, which opened opportunities for his teammates.

“Dez was huge with his playmaking,” Jenkins said. “I told him, ‘Just keep being aggressive; your shots will fall.’ He created opportunities for everyone else by getting downhill.”

Jazz Facing Challenges Amid Losing Streak

On the other side of the court, the Utah Jazz are enduring a tough stretch, losing four straight games and seven of their last eight. The Jazz find themselves in last place in the Western Conference and are coming off a 123-114 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, despite notable individual performances.

Bright Spots Amid Adversity

Jazz coach Will Hardy remains optimistic despite his team’s struggles, focusing on long-term growth.

“I’m really proud of the team,” Hardy said. “We’re learning throughout the season, and I see improvement in both individual players and our collective IQ.”

Against the Thunder, Utah showcased resilience on the offensive boards, grabbing 23 offensive rebounds and scoring 31 second-chance points. However, defensive lapses were costly, as Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander erupted for a career-high 54 points.

Key Players Returning from Injuries

The Jazz recently welcomed back key contributors Lauri Markkanen and John Collins. Collins, returning after missing five games with a hip injury, led Utah with 22 points against the Thunder. Markkanen, who had been sidelined for four games with back spasms, added 17 points. All five Jazz starters scored in double figures, highlighting their potential for balanced scoring.

Guides for Our Top Sports

Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Team

Memphis Grizzlies

• Strengths:
  • Elite scoring ability, averaging 123.6 points per game.
  • Depth, with role players like Kennard stepping up in key moments.
  • Adaptability, as players like Bane and Kennard thrive in different roles during Morant’s absence.
• Weaknesses:
  • Potential reliance on Morant during high-stakes games.
  • Vulnerability on defense when key players are out.

Utah Jazz

• Strengths:
  • Strong offensive rebounding, with 23 offensive boards against Oklahoma City.
  • Balanced scoring, with all starters contributing consistently.
• Weaknesses:
  • Defensive inconsistency, as shown by Gilgeous-Alexander’s 54-point performance.
  • Lack of momentum and struggles to close out games.

What to Watch For

1. Luke Kennard’s Hot Hand: Will Kennard continue his shooting surge and set the tone for Memphis again?
2. Desmond Bane’s Playmaking: Can Bane maintain his impressive passing and lead the Grizzlies’ offense effectively in Morant’s absence?
3. Jazz Rebounding Edge: Utah’s ability to dominate the boards could keep the game competitive, but they’ll need to tighten their defense.
4. Markkanen and Collins: With two key players returning, can Utah find the rhythm to break their losing streak?

Prediction

The Grizzlies enter Saturday’s game as heavy favorites due to their offensive firepower and recent momentum. However, the Jazz’s ability to dominate on the glass and their balanced scoring could make the game closer than expected. Memphis will need to maintain their defensive intensity and rely on Kennard and Bane to secure a sixth straight win.