Memphis Grizzlies face crisis with crippling injury list against Utah Jazz showdown
The Memphis Grizzlies are set to face a daunting challenge as they prepare to meet the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, December 23, at 8:00 p.m. CST. The game will take place at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, and fans can catch the action on Peacock and FanDuel Sports, while local radio coverage will be available on 92.9 FM ESPN Radio in Memphis and 98.1 FM/640 AM in Oklahoma.
Matchup Details
This game marks the second of three encounters between these two teams this season, with Utah claiming victory in their first matchup earlier this month. Historically, the Grizzlies hold a 42-68 record against the Jazz in the regular season, which includes a 25-30 record in home games compared to a more challenging 17-38 in road contests.
Projected Starters
Grizzlies
G Cedric Coward
G Cam Spencer
C Jock Landale
F Jaylen Wells
F Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jazz
G Keyonte George
G Svi Mykhailiuk
C Kyle Filipowski
F Ace Bailey
F Lauri Markkanen
Injury Report
The Grizzlies are grappling with a lengthy injury list that could significantly impact their chances in this matchup. Key players sidelined include:
Brandon Clarke (Out – Calf)
Ja Morant (Out – Ankle)
Vince Williams (Out – Knee)
Zach Edey (Out – Ankle)
John Konchar (Out – Thumb)
Ty Jerome (Out – Calf)
Scotty Pippen Jr. (Out – Toe)
Javon Small (Out – Toe)
GG Jackson (Out – G League)
Meanwhile, the Jazz are not without their own challenges, as they will be missing:
Walker Kessler (Out – Shoulder)
Georges Niang (Out – Foot)
Betting Lines
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the betting lines reflect the Grizzlies as slight favorites with a spread of -2.5 (-110), while the Jazz sit at +2.5 (-110). The moneyline favors Memphis at -146, with Utah at +124. The total points line is set at 243.5, with both the over and under priced at -110.
In the News
As the Grizzlies navigate this injury crisis, intriguing narratives continue to emerge from the team. Discussions are swirling around the impact of a player’s contract, a forward earning notable weekly honors in the Western Conference, and the potential for a new direction in the franchise following recent successes without Ja Morant.
With the stakes high and the roster significantly depleted, the Grizzlies will need to dig deep to find a way to compete against a Jazz team eager to build on their early season victory.
