The Memphis Grizzlies, grappling with a slew of injuries, head to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz in a Western Conference battle. Both teams are below .500 and fighting for playoff positioning, but Memphis’ depth issues could make this a closer contest than expected despite their slight edge in talent. The Jazz, coming off a three-game skid, will look to capitalize on home court and Memphis’ absences. Here’s a full breakdown.
Venue Location
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT. This 18,300-seat arena, formerly known as Vivint Arena, has been the Jazz’s home since 1991 and is renowned for its high elevation (4,300 feet), which can fatigue visiting teams.
Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. MT local time). The game will be broadcast on KJZZ, Jazz+, FDSSE, and NBA League Pass, with radio coverage on KZNS/KSL/KTUB and ESPN 92.9 FM/680 AM.
Injury Report
Memphis is severely depleted with eight players on the report, including key starters, while Utah has a lighter load but some rotational concerns.
Latest updates as of early morning game day:
| Team | Player | Position | Status | Injury Details |
| Memphis Grizzlies | Ja Morant | G | Out | Left ankle sprain (missed last three games) |
| Memphis Grizzlies | Brandon Clarke | F | Out | Grade 2 right calf strain (recent injury, timeline TBD) |
| Memphis Grizzlies | Vince Williams Jr. | G | Day-to-day | Left knee soreness |
| Memphis Grizzlies | GG Jackson II | F | Out | Right fifth metatarsal repair (out since preseason) |
| Memphis Grizzlies | Marcus Smart | G | Out | Left ankle sprain |
| Memphis Grizzlies | Cam Spencer | G | Out | Right ankle sprain |
| Memphis Grizzlies | Yuki Kawamura | G | Out | Left shoulder dislocation |
| Memphis Grizzlies | Colin Castleton | C | Out | Left foot fracture |
| Utah Jazz | Elijah Harkless | G | Out | G League – Two-Way |
| Utah Jazz | Taylor Hendricks | F | Day-to-day | Season-long woes (various, limited minutes) |
| Utah Jazz | Kyle Filipowski | C | Day-to-day | Lower body issue (limited role) |
The Grizzlies’ absences leave them without their star point guard and several defenders, forcing reliance on Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane. Utah’s report is thinner, with Lauri Markkanen recently upgraded to available after missing time.
Player Matchups
With Morant sidelined, the focus shifts to frontcourt and wing battles in this high-scoring potential affair.
Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM) vs. Lauri Markkanen (UTA): Jackson (averaging 22 PPG, 6 RPG, 2 BPG) will anchor Memphis’ defense but faces Markkanen’s spacing (24 PPG, 40% from three). Markkanen’s size could pull Jackson out, creating mismatches.
Desmond Bane (MEM) vs. Collin Sexton (UTA): Bane (23 PPG) steps up as primary scorer; Sexton’s quickness (18 PPG) might challenge him defensively, but Bane’s efficiency gives Memphis an edge.
Santi Aldama (MEM) vs. Walker Kessler (UTA): Aldama’s versatility (12 PPG, 7 RPG) vs. Kessler’s rim protection (10 RPG, 2 BPG). This could dictate paint control.
Bench Battle: Jay Huff/Luke Kennard (MEM) vs. Keyonte George/Drew Eubanks (UTA): Utah’s depth might shine with George’s playmaking, while Memphis’ reserves are thinned by injuries.
Utah’s home altitude could amplify their athleticism, but Memphis’ remaining stars might exploit Jazz defensive lapses.
Recent Team Forms
Both squads are slumping, with injuries exacerbating inconsistencies.
Memphis Grizzlies (Last 10 Games): 3-7 record, averaging 110.2 PPG while allowing 118.4. They’ve lost three straight, including a 103-119 defeat to OKC on Dec. 22, with poor shooting (44% FG). Road form is weak (2-8), but wins came against weaker foes.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Dec 22 | vs. OKC | L | 103-119 |
| Dec 20 | @ LAC | L | (Recent loss) |
| Dec 18 | vs. UTA | L | 126-130 |
| … | … | 3-7 overall | Avg. -8.2 margin |
Utah Jazz (Last 10 Games): 4-6 record, averaging 121.4 PPG but allowing 123.5. On a three-game losing streak, including a 127-128 home loss to Orlando on Dec. 20. Home form is 5-5, with high totals (over 240 points average).
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Dec 20 | vs. ORL | L | 127-128 |
| Dec 18 | @ MEM | W | 130-126 |
| Dec 15 | vs. DEN | L | (Recent loss) |
| … | … | 4-6 overall | Avg. -2.1 margin |
Series History
Utah leads the all-time series 68-42 in 110 regular-season games. In playoffs, Jazz are 4-1 over five meetings. Recently, Utah has dominated: 7-3 in the last 10, including a 130-126 win over Memphis on Dec. 12. Over the last five: Jazz 3-2, with averages of 245 total points. Memphis is 2-3 in their last five visits to Utah, but games often go over the total.
Betting Trends
Memphis is 13-16 ATS overall, 5-9 ATS on the road, and 7-8 ATS as favorites. Jazz are 12-16 ATS, 6-8 ATS at home, and 8-10 ATS as underdogs. Over has hit in 7 of Memphis’ last 10 (70%) and 8 of Utah’s last 10 (80%). Head-to-head overs: 4-1 in last 5. Memphis is 2-8 ATS in last 10 road games; Jazz 4-1 ATS in last 5 home games vs. sub-.500 teams.
Game Odds
Memphis Grizzlies – 3.5
Utah Jazz 243.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, December 22, 2025
