NBA Game Preview: Memphis Grizzlies (3-0) vs. Utah Jazz (1-2)

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Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah

The undefeated Grizzlies visit Utah for a rematch of their season-opening win. Memphis is off to its best start in years, powered by hot shooting from Ty Jerome and strong contributions from rookie Cameron Boozer. The Jazz are looking to bounce back at home after a mixed early stretch.

Injury Reports

Memphis Grizzlies:

Zach Edey (ankle) — Out

Karim Lopez (knee) — Out

Utah Jazz:

Jusuf Nurkić (foot) — Out

Trey Alexander (knee) — Out

Both teams are missing key big-man depth. Memphis will lean more on Isaiah Stewart and Quinten Post in the frontcourt; Utah continues without Nurkić’s size.Current Player Rosters (key contributors)Memphis Grizzlies: Ty Jerome, Cameron Boozer, Jerami Grant, Jaylen Wells, Cedric Coward, GG Jackson, Isaiah Stewart, Scotty Pippen Jr., Cam Spencer, and others. Jerome has emerged as a high-volume scorer in the absence of previous backcourt stars.

Utah Jazz: Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, Jaren Jackson Jr., Ace Bailey, Darryn Peterson, Jaxson Hayes, Kyle Filipowski, Isaiah Collier, Brice Sensabaugh, and others. The core features Markkanen’s scoring, George’s playmaking, and Jackson’s two-way impact.

Key Player vs. Player Matchups

Ty Jerome vs. Keyonte George / Jazz perimeter defense: Jerome exploded for a career-high 45 points in the first meeting and has averaged over 30 PPG early. Containing his scoring and playmaking is Utah’s top priority.

Cameron Boozer vs. Lauri Markkanen / Jaren Jackson Jr.: The highly touted rookie has shown strong rebounding and production. Matchup against Markkanen’s spacing and Jackson’s rim protection will be physical and important.

Jerami Grant / GG Jackson vs. Jazz wings: Secondary scoring and athleticism battles on the wing.

Jaren Jackson Jr. (ex-Grizzly) vs. Memphis frontcourt: Jackson’s return matchup adds narrative; his defense and scoring against Boozer and company.

Pace and rebounding: Memphis has dominated the glass in recent games; Utah needs to improve on the boards and limit transition opportunities.

Recent Team Forms

Grizzlies (3-0): Wins vs. Utah (123-103, Jerome 45 points), at Golden State (111-108), and at Sacramento (123-112). Strong start featuring Jerome’s scoring surge and Boozer’s double-doubles. Best start since 2017-18.

Jazz (1-2): Loss at Memphis (103-123), win vs. New Orleans, loss vs. Lakers (123-132). Competitive but inconsistent; Markkanen and George have been productive, but defensive issues have shown.

Memphis holds clear momentum and the recent head-to-head edge.

Series History

Memphis won the season opener decisively 123-103 on Oct. 21/22 behind Jerome’s career night. The teams are meeting again quickly in this early-season rematch. Recent results favor the Grizzlies. thescore.com

Game Odds

Memphis Grizzlies          – 1

Utah Jazz                             237

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, October 25, 2026

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