Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz: Preview and Prediction

The Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz are in for a battle for their lottery odds in the 2026 NBA Draft. Previewing the Grizzlies vs. Jazz game, with the NBA’s tank discussion continuing, will be one for the books in this climate. Taking one look at the injury report will showcase the direction of both teams, making this game tough to predict.

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz: Preview and Prediction

Taking a look at the reverse standings

In the NBA, there are the regular standings for teams battling to make the playoffs and the play-in tournament. Then, there are the reverse standings for teams aiming for the best odds to get the top pick in the NBA Draft. Previewing the Grizzlies vs. Jazz late-season matchup will show two teams that don’t want any part of winning.

The Jazz and Grizzlies had different expectations entering this season, but have wound up near the same place. The Jazz weren’t considered to be real contenders to make the postseason, so their 21-59 record is mostly expected. The Grizzlies were expected to at least challenge for play-in contention, but injuries and turmoil derailed their season.

Now, the Memphis Grizzlies find themselves in a losing battle with the Dallas Mavericks for the sixth spot in the reverse standings. Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz are tied for fourth with the Sacramento Kings and want to avoid falling to fifth in the reverse pecking order. Let’s take a look at how these teams got to this point.

The Jazz continue losing

Back-to-back seasons have seen the Jazz get fined for resting players. After trading for Grizzlies star forward Jaren Jackson Jr., many wondered how they would continue losing. Upon obtaining Jackson Jr., they rested him and fellow star Lauri Markkanen in the fourth quarter of multiple games.

That led to a $500,000 fine by the NBA, which followed a $100,000 fine last season for resting a healthy Markkanen. This time, the Jazz have several players out for the season, including Jackson Jr., who had knee surgery in February. The Grizzlies-Jazz matchup is missing hype without the biggest piece of Utah’s trade deadline playing against his former team. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have entered the reverse standings for different reasons.

The Grizzlies’ injuries pile up

The Grizzlies recently tied a record for the most players used in a season with 33. They currently have five players out due to surgeries, and two more dealing with injuries that will keep them out for the rest of the season.

Obviously, trading Jackson Jr. to the Jazz signaled a rebuild for the Grizzlies. However, having players in and out of the lineup was never going to bode well, even if they wanted to win. Taking a look at the injury report for Friday’s game shows why the Grizzlies’ task became impossible.

Injuries

Grizzlies: Santi Aldama (Knee surgery), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Finger surgery), Brandon Clarke (Calf strain), Cedric Coward (Back soreness), Zach Edey (Ankle and elbow surgery), Taylor Hendricks (Thumb sprain), GG Jackson II (Knee soreness), Ty Jerome (Ankle sprain), Ja Morant (Elbow UCL sprain), Scotty Pippen Jr. (Great toe surgery), Cam Spencer (Back soreness), and Jaylen Wells (Great toe surgery) are all out. Olivier-Maxence Proper (Ankle soreness) is doubtful. Walter Clayton Jr. (Hip soreness) and Javon Small (Thigh Contusion) are questionable.

Jazz: Isaiah Collier (Hamstring strain), Kyle Filipowski (Back), Keyonte George (Hamstring strain), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Knee surgery), Walker Kessler (Shoulder surgery), Lauri Markkanen (Hip), Jusuf Nurkic (Nose), and Brice Sensabaugh (Rest) are all out. Elijah Harkless (Hamstring strain) is questionable.

Prediction

Previewing the Grizzlies vs. Jazz game is like pulling teeth. Both teams are vying for draft positioning with two games remaining in the season. One team has 15 players on their injury report, and the other has nine. However, Walter Clayton Jr. would be the only Grizzlies player on the active roster available to play. Due to that and it being a road game for the Grizzlies, expect the Jazz to snap their 10-game losing streak.