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Utah Jazz Vs. Memphis Grizzlies Preview by Scotty Mckell

Written by Spencer | 06 January 2010

Tonight's matchup with the Grizzlies is an interesting one because of the current slump the Jazz are in. Deron did not go through shoot around and is going through treatment for his right wrist and is a game time decision. Follow us on twitter for more updates throughout the day. If the playoffs started today, both teams would be outside looking in, however, Memphis is only a few games out.  Not only did they beat the Blazers in Portland last night (granted, there are tons of injuries with the Blazers), Memphis is playing all around great ball right now.  Who would have thought Zach Randolph would resurrect his career like he has?  Some things to watch out for in this game is the play of mainly four players:
Zach Randolph
Marc Gasol
Rudy Gay
O.J. Mayo
Last time the Jazz faced Memphis Rudy Gay (most athletic player on the team) did not even play.  Look tonight for Memphis to be ready to take down the Jazz in Salt Lake, something they haven't done for the last 10 matchups here.  Even though the Jazz have dug themselves the deepest hole of the season, look for them to climb back out of it tonight.  Deron Williams will be a game time decision as he sprained his wrist the other night against New Orleans.  Some key things the Jazz must focus on are rebounding, and running their offense the way they are used to.
The last few games, the Jazz have not been putting forth the offensive production like they are capable of.  In the last 10 games, Jazz defense has been ranked 6th in the league which is remarkable.  On the flip side, the offense has been ranked around 26 or so.  This game tonight will be a good indicator of where the current state of the team really is.
If the Jazz lose, that means that a trade is more and more likely.  If they can rebound and get a great win at home like we are used to seeing against the Grizzlies then most likely things will remain intact.  This is the first of a two game home and home series with the Grizzlies starting tonight.
Grizzlies Key Team Stats Jazz
104.1 Points scored 99.3
104.7 Points allowed 97.4
.480 FG% own .480
.480 FG% opposition .458
.321 3PT% own .336
.363 3PT% opposition .344
442 Offensive Rebounds 354
969 Defensive Rebounds 1030
1411 Total Rebounds 1384
1.3 Assist/Turnover Ratio 1.7
20.7 Fouls Per Game 21.8
Hopefully the Jazz can pull out the victory.  They cannot continue to dig this hole or before too long it will become too deep come playoff time.  That means a lot especially in the West.
Go Jazz!
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