Utah Jazz (0-0) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (0-0)
October 21, 2026 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Memphis Grizzlies -1.5; Over/Under: 239.5
(Get latest betting odds)
Utah Jazz Betting Preview
The Utah Jazz have held the second-worst record over the last four seasons and the only way up after finishing with just 22 wins last season, which was good for last place in the Western Conference. Keyonte George had a breakout season as he averaged 23.6 points per game; Lauri Markkanen was decent; Ace Bailey had a nice rookie season; and the team was able to lure Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies.
In the offseason, the Jazz drafted Darryn Peterson from Kansas, and they traded away Walker Kessler and Cody Williams while acquiring Jusuf Nurkic, Jaxson Hayes, Josh Green, and Josh Okogie.
Memphis Grizzlies Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies look like they’ve hit the reset button on their franchise after finishing last season with just 25 wins. Jaren Jackson Jr., Ja Morant, Santi Aldama, Taj Gibson, and AJ Johnson all got moved, with Jerami Grant, Isaiah Stewart, Kris Murray, and Cameron Boozer all added to the roster.
Ty Jerome enjoyed a great season and is likely to open as the starting point guard, and in the half-court offense, they will have to rely on the rookie Boozer to develop as a point forward. We don’t know what to expect from the new-look Grizzlies on offense, but one thing we can count on is their pesky defense that has become their identity.
Why the Memphis Grizzlies will win
- The Jazz have lost each of their last 18 road games against Western Conference opponents.
- The favorites have won each of the Jazz’s last nine games.
- The home team has covered the spread in each of the Jazz’s last eight games.
- The Jazz have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven games as underdogs against Southwest Division opponents.
Why the Utah Jazz will win
- The Grizzlies have lost each of their last eight games.
- The Jazz have won seven of their last nine season openers.
- The Grizzlies have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games.
- The Jazz have covered the spread in five of their last six road openers.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Jazz’s last seven Wednesday games at FedExForum have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Grizzlies’ last four home openers against Northwest Division opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Memphis Grizzlies Player Facts
- Cam Spencer ranked 1st amongst qualified players for FT% (94.0%) last season.
- Cedric Coward was one of only nine qualified players in the league to have led their team in points (13.6) and rebounds (5.9) per game last season.
Utah Jazz Player Facts
- Isaiah Collier was one of only two players in the league to have recorded 20+ assists in a game last season.
- Lauri Markkanen ranked 1st amongst qualified Centers for three-pointers made per game (2.7) last season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Grizzlies suffered the most losses when leading after Q3 last season (15).
- The Grizzlies suffered the equal-most losses when leading at HT last season (16).
- The Jazz ranked 30th in the league for opponent points per game last season (126.0).
- The Jazz ranked 30th in the league for opponent assists per game last season (30.7).
Grizzlies vs Jazz Prediction
The Jazz are still shorthanded with Jusuf Nurkic ruled out and Kyle Filipowski listed as a game-time decision, while the Grizzlies have ruled out Quinten Post with GG Jackson and Isaiah Stewart both listed as questionable. The Jazz have been the doormats of the league for the past four seasons, but they were able to add some quality veteran pieces to support their exciting backcourt of George and Peterson.
On the other hand, the Grizzlies are looking to start a new chapter and move on with a young roster. It’s hard to back either side with any confidence at this early stage, but there’s a lot to like about the Jazz, and I think they are decent value as the underdogs in this matchup.
