The new-look Memphis Grizzlies are laying 1.5 points tonight in their season opener against the Utah Jazz, with tip-off from FedExForum scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Utah's frontcourt depth is a concern heading into tonight, which has my Jazz vs. Grizzlies prediction backing Memphis.
Read more in my NBA picks for Wednesday, Oct. 21.
TOP PICK
Jazz vs Grizzlies prediction: Grizzlies moneyline
Play up to 56%.
The Utah Jazz are without Jusuf Nurkic and Tony Bradley, potentially forcing Jaren Jackson Jr. into more minutes at center, where foul trouble could become a concern.
That's a favorable matchup for Zach Edey, who averaged 11.1 rebounds last season, including 3.9 on the offensive glass. Utah allowed an NBA-worst 126 points per game and ranked 29th in defensive rating, and its depleted frontcourt could give Edey plenty of second-chance opportunities.
The Memphis Grizzlies also have an intriguing mix of youth and experience, with rookie Cam Boozer showing real promise in the preseason.
Between Utah's defensive struggles, Memphis' potential advantage inside, and home-court advantage in its season opener, I like the Grizzlies to come away victorious.
COVERS INTEL: The Jazz allowed opponents to shoot an NBA-worst 59.4% inside the arc last season. With its frontcourt depleted, Memphis' interior advantage makes the Grizzlies moneyline appealing.
Jazz vs Grizzlies combo
I'm combining a Memphis win with the Under and an Edey prop.
This total is incredibly high at 241.5, and even though Utah is inconsistent defensively, we also have to remember that the Grizzlies are adjusting to a new offense with younger players after the departures of Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, and Ja Morant. Both teams also averaged well under 120 ppg last season.
Edey isn't a massive scoring threat, but he only needs 10 points here. That's not a big ask against a depleted Jazz frontcourt, and the center has averaged 11.8 ppg against Utah in his career.
Jazz vs Grizzlies combo
- Grizzlies moneyline
- Under 241.5
- Zach Edey Over 9.5 points
Jazz vs Grizzlies player props
Jazz player prop: Lauri Markkanen Over 19.5 points
Play up to 65%.
Lauri Markkanen has developed into a star with the Jazz, leading the team in minutes (34.4) and points (26.7) last season. He also had the highest usage rate on the roster at 28%.
While this is a lower total than expected considering last season's numbers, it's a safer option for the first game of the season, and Markkanen cooked the Grizzlies for 26 in one meeting last season.
Memphis was also considered an easier matchup for small forwards last season, allowing 24.5 points per contest to the position.
Grizzlies player prop: Cedric Coward Over 14.5 points
Play up to 50%.
Cedric Coward figures to have a much larger role now for the rebuilding Grizzlies, and I'm eyeing him to make some noise tonight. The 23-year-old averaged 13.6 ppg in Year 1, showing real promise as a key player for the future.
Coward will be one of the Grizzlies who will benefit from Utah's inability to defend shots from inside the arc. He likes to attack the rim, and this contest presents an opportunity to be aggressive downhill. The guard also averaged 15.2 ppg at home last season, compared to 11.8 on the road.
For what it's worth, Coward also scored 17 in his only meeting with the Jazz last season, and Utah allowed nearly 25 points per night to shooting guards.
Jazz vs Grizzlies odds
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- Spread: Jazz +1.5 | Grizzlies -1.5
- Over/Under: Over 242.5 | Under 242.5
- Moneyline: Jazz 49% | Grizzlies 52%
For the full slate of NBA matchups, check out our NBA odds board!
Jazz vs Grizzlies trend
The Jazz have only cashed the moneyline in 10 of their last 50 games for -19.75 and a -37% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends.
How to watch Jazz vs Grizzlies
| Location | FedExForum, Memphis, Tenn. |
| Date | Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 |
| Tip off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | DAZN-MEM, Jazz+ |
Jazz vs Grizzlies latest injuries
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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