Ja Morant’s Return Sparks Optimism for Grizzlies Against Struggling Jazz
All eyes will be on Ja Morant as he prepares to make his much-anticipated return to the court. The standout point guard, sidelined since a calf injury forced him out in the first quarter of a loss to Cleveland on November 15, has been upgraded to probable for tonight’s game. As Morant steps back into action, he joins a Memphis Grizzlies team that has found its rhythm, boasting a 7-3 record over their last ten games. However, the Grizzlies face a significant challenge with center Zach Edey expected to miss several weeks due to injury.
Jazz Struggling After Recent Defeats
The Utah Jazz arrive in Memphis reeling from a rough patch, having suffered a 131-101 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in their last outing. That game saw several key players on both sides sidelined, and Utah has been outscored by an alarming 64 points in their last two contests. Head coach Will Hardy will aim to refocus his squad after several days of practice, particularly with the NBA Cup quarterfinals taking center stage.
Game Day Details
Date, Time, and Location: Friday, December 5, 7:10 p.m. CST at FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tennessee
TV Broadcast: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (Grizzlies), Kiswe (Jazz+), KJZZ-TV (Jazz)
Radio Coverage: WMFS-FM (Grizzlies), 97.5 The Zone (Jazz)
Grizzlies Look to Maintain Momentum Against Jazz
The Memphis Grizzlies (11-13) host the Utah Jazz (8-15) in what marks the first encounter of the season between the two teams. Despite struggles against opponents with winning records, Memphis has excelled against teams below .500, and they’ll look to capitalize on this opportunity to inch closer to .500 for the first time since November 2. After a rocky start, the Grizzlies have won seven of their last nine games, giving fans renewed hope that this season under new head coach Tuomas Iisalo can still be salvaged.
Morant’s return is especially pivotal as the team has managed to find its footing in his absence. Upgraded to ‘questionable’ ahead of this contest, he is expected to take the floor after missing ten games. This matchup is the first of three meetings between the teams this season, with the next clash set for February 20 at FedEx Forum, right after the All-Star break. They will face off again in Utah’s Delta Center on December 23 before concluding the season series on April 10.
Historical Context and Recent Matchups
Memphis enters this game with a five-game win streak over the Jazz, having won all four contests last season. The last time Utah emerged victorious in Memphis was on November 10, 2023, when Lauri Markkanen led the way with 26 points. In their most recent encounter, the Grizzlies dominated with a 140-103 victory, showcasing their depth as ten players scored at least eight points, led by Desmond Bane’s 21, while Morant was sidelined.
Historically, Utah leads the all-time series 65-37, with a strong performance during their time in Vancouver until the end of the 2000-01 season. Memphis claimed victory in their first two meetings after relocating to Memphis.
Betting Lines and Projections
As anticipation builds, here’s a glance at the betting lines provided by DraftKings:
Spread: Grizzlies -6.5 (-115), Jazz +6.5 (+105)
Moneyline: Grizzlies -205, Jazz +250
Total Points: 242.5 (Over -108, Under -112)
Projected Starting Lineups
Grizzlies
F Jaylen Wells
F Jaren Jackson Jr.
C Jock Landale
G Ja Morant
G Cedric Coward
Jazz
F Svi Mykhailuk
F Lauri Markkanen
C Josef Nurkic
G Keyonte George
G Ace Bailey
Injury Report
Grizzlies
Ja Morant: Probable – Right calf strain
Zach Edey: Out – Left ankle stress reaction
Ty Jerome: Out – Right calf strain
John Konchar: Out – Left thumb UCL tear
Olivier-Maxence Prosper: Questionable – G League (Two-way)
Scotty Pippen Jr.: Out – Right toe surgery recovery
Brandon Clarke: Out – Right knee surgery recovery
Javon Small: Out – Left toe soreness
Jamahl Mashack: Questionable – G League (Two-way)
GG Jackson: Out – G League (On assignment)
Jazz
Walker Kessler: Out – Left shoulder injury recovery
Taylor Hendricks: Out – G League (On assignment)
Georges Niang: Out – Left foot fourth metatarsal stress reaction
Cody Williams: Out – G League (On assignment)
John Tonje: Out – G League (Two-way)
Oscar Tshiebwe: Out – G League (Two-way)
Elijah Harkless: Out – G League (Two-way)
Coach’s Insight
Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo commented on Jaren Jackson Jr., stating, “There are several components there that make him a great player. He is a very good player on the perimeter and inside. It’s just a matter of time before his numbers are up again.”
As Memphis gears up for this critical matchup, the return of Morant could be the spark they need to keep their momentum going against a struggling Jazz team.
