The Utah Jazz face off against the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 3 of their Western Conference First Round series on Saturday night, so here’s the best NBA Playoffs betting pick along with the latest odds update on BetMGM Sportsbook.
The Jazz opened as 5-point road favorites for Game 3 at FedExForum in Memphis, while the Grizzlies are +175 moneyline dogs with a total of 224.0 points. After the first two games in Salt Lake City, the series is tied, as the Grizzlies took the first blood as 8-point road dogs, 112-109, while the Jazz bounced back with a 141-129 victory as 10-point favorites in Game 2.
The Jazz thrashed off Memphis, as Donovan Mitchell returned from a 17-game absence
The Utah Jazz went bonkers in Game 2, making 54.4% of their field goals and 48.7% of their 3-pointers (19-for-39) to drop a whopping 141 points on Memphis. Donovan Mitchell finally returned from a sprained ankle and led the way with 25 points, while Rudy Gobert added 21 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks.
Jordan Clarkson and Joe Ingles combined for 30 points off the bench, and the Jazz can be pleased with their offensive effort this past Wednesday. Back in the opener, Utah shot only 42.0% from the field and 25.5% from beyond the 3-point line.
The Jazz led the NBA in 3-pointers made per game this past regular season (16.7). They were fourth in 3-point percentage (38.9%), so the Jazz will continue to lean on their shooting from deep. Mitchell’s return is a massive boost for their game on both sides of the ball, as Utah boasts the third-best offensive rating (117.6) and the fourth-best defensive rating (108.3).
The Grizzlies need more from their defense
The Memphis Grizzlies will have to do a much better defensive job in Game 3 if they want to regain the lead in this series. They managed to slow down Utah in Game 1, but Donovan Mitchell’s return got the Jazz rolling offensively last Wednesday, and the Grizzlies didn’t have a proper response.
Ja Morant put on a terrific performance in Game 2, accounting for 47 points and seven assists while shooting 15-for-26 from the field and 15-for-20 at the line. However, the Grizzlies’ second unit combined for a paltry 14 points, while Memphis hit just eight triples out of 23 attempts from deep (34.8%).
The Grizzlies were yielding 111.0 points per 100 possessions this past regular season (6th in the NBA) on 46.2% shooting from the field (11th) and 36.7% from downtown (18th). They were scoring 112.0 points in a return (15th) on 46.7% shooting from the field (18th) and 35.6% from beyond the arc (20th).
Trends:
Utah:
- 7-1 SU and 5-3 ATS in the last eight games against Memphis
Memphis:
- 2-5 ATS in the last seven games overall
- 6-12 ATS in the last 18 playoff games
The Jazz showed their strength last time out, storming the front with 74 first-half points. I’m expecting another strong performance by Quin Snyder’s boys, especially with Donovan Mitchell back in the lineup.
Utah possesses way more offensive firepower than Memphis. Ja Morant is playing at a high level at the moment, but Mitchell’s return to the starting five makes Utah’s second unit even stronger, and I don’t think the Grizzlies will have enough depth to outlast the Jazz.
Pick: Take Utah Jazz -3.0 at -150
The Total:
The Jazz launched 47 attempts from deep in Game 1 and 39 in Game 2. They averaged a whopping 43.0 attempts from downtown per game in the regular season, so I’m looking for another high-scoring affair Saturday at FedExForum in Memphis.
The Grizzlies prefer to play at a fast pace, recording 100.4 possessions per 48 minutes. I don’t think they will be able to hold the Jazz below 115 points, so give me the over on the totals. Six of the last seven games between Memphis and Utah went in the over.
Pick: Go over 224.0 points at -110