Here are The Game Day’s Jazz vs Grizzlies prediction and bets for the 2021 NBA Playoffs Round 1 Series. After our Jazz-Grizzlies Round 1 series preview, check out our 2021 NBA Playoffs Power Rankings & our full 2021 NBA Playoffs Guide.
Utah Jazz vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction: 2021 NBA Playoffs Round 1 Bet Tips & Pick
Utah Jazz 2020-2021 Recap
Even Jazz fans didn’t think their team would be the top-seeded team in the entire NBA Playoffs, but here we are. The managed to avoid falling off, despite having injuries to their starting backcourt.
Mike Conley returned for the final two games, but Donovan Mitchell has been out for over a month. He is expected to return for Game 1 of this series, but the possibility of there being some rust early on is obvious. Still, Utah has proven the ability to win without him. They have also proven they will be tough to beat at home, with just five losses all season.
Any squad facing the Jazz must find a way to win at least one game in Utah.
Memphis Grizzlies 2020-2021 Recap
The Grizzlies truly earned their spot in the playoffs. First, they avoided a Spurs comeback in their first play-in game, then they outpaced Stephen Curry and the Warriors, winning the game in overtime. Packed with young talent, the Grizzlies have won seven of their past eight games, and their confidence should be sky high. Their inexperience showed at times during the season, but so did their depth of talent. Memphis has shown the ability to win by hitting threes or scoring in the paint, making them a dangerous eight seed.
Utah Jazz vs Memphis Grizzlies Matchup
After pulling off the regular-season sweep over Memphis, Utah will look to keep that momentum going in the postseason. However, the Grizzlies actually match up well with the Jazz. Jonas Valanciunas will need to have a big series against Rudy Gobert, while Dillon Brooks will need to play solid defense against Donovan Mitchell.
This is easier said than done, obviously. However, Brooks’ solid defense against Curry in the play-in game was noticeable, and he should win battles in this series. To move on, however, he will need to win the war, which I don’t think he is equipped to do.
Utah Jazz vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction
Jazz in 6 Games: The Grizzlies will not roll over and die. However, I also don’t think they’ll be able to win in Utah. Their best chance will be Game 1, riding their momentum from last game. Still, it won’t be enough, as the experienced, disciplined Jazz team will stay composed and get past this dangerous, young Memphis squad.
Utah Jazz vs Memphis Grizzlies Bet Pick
Series Spread: Utah Jazz -1.5 (-400) at BetMGM
As long as the Jazz wins this series before Game 7, this bet will hit. This is much more lucrative than betting Utah to win the series straight up, which is -1400 odds. The Grizzlies are a good team, but experience will ultimately prevail in this first-round matchup.
