Grizzlies vs. Jazz prediction, odds, key players to watch on NBA opening night

The Memphis Grizzlies are hoping to stay much healthier than they were last season when they landed in the lottery.

Memphis, a team with 50 wins in the previous two seasons, is hoping to get back into the mix behind its core of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr.

The first test for the Grizzlies is the Utah Jazz, who have been an elite home team, hitting over .500 in nearly 10 consecutive seasons with him.

Utah is an underdog in this matchup because of its young core and star Lauri Markkanen, who extended his contract in the offseason.

Can Memphis get off to a strong start, or will Utah’s home dominance continue on opening night?

Here’s a breakdown of the odds, the key players to watch, and my best bet on Wednesday.

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

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Money line

In total

Grizzlies injury report

Jazz injury report

Memphis Grizzlies

Yes Morant: Can the Grizzlies star recover from a lost season? A shoulder injury and a suspension limited Morant to just nine games last season. He averaged 26.2 points per game in the 2022-23 season, and if he can return to his All-Star form, Memphis should push for 45-50 wins this season.

Utah Jazz

Lauri Markkanen: Since Markkanen signed a contract extension this offseason, he cannot now be dealt until the offseason due to the NBA’s six-month rule. An All-Star in the 2022-23 season, Markkanen averaged 24.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 49.0 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from 3-point range .

Although the Grizz are slightly healthier than last season, they still have Jackson Jr., Vince Williams, GG Jackson, Cam Spencer and Luke Kennard behind them in this season opener.

Not ideal.

Utah hit over .500 at home last season despite a poor regular season, and we’ve seen the Jazz get off to strong starts in consecutive seasons before fading in the second half.

Keyonte George, Taylor Hendricks and other young guys will look to make a move alongside a core that still has some solid veterans in Collin Sexton, John Collins and Jordan Clarkson in addition to Markkanen.

I’m not convinced Memphis will immediately return to their 50-win form – especially with JJJ out.

I’ll get the points with the Jazz at home.

Selection: Jazz +3 (-110)

Odds are updated regularly and are subject to change.

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Find Peter Deweys NBA betting record here (Futures included). You can also follow my daily pieces on BetStamp here.