Grizzlies Look to Limit Jazz's Paint Production

Memphis will need to play physical and limit mistakes to overcome Utah's frontcourt advantage.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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The Memphis Grizzlies will face the rebuilding Utah Jazz on Friday without their top players. However, the Grizzlies will need to focus on containing the Jazz's frontcourt, limiting second-chance opportunities, and capitalizing on transition chances to overcome their size disadvantage.

Why it matters

The Grizzlies have struggled this season, but this game against the tanking Jazz presents an opportunity for their role players to step up and show what they can contribute when the team is shorthanded.

The details

The Jazz run a lot of off-ball screen plays, so the Grizzlies will need to make life difficult for Lauri Markkanen before and after the catch. Containing Ace Bailey's pull-up jumper will also be a priority. On offense, the Grizzlies will need to lean on Cam Spencer for shot creation and take advantage of the open 3-point looks the Jazz defense provides. Rebounding will be crucial, as the Grizzlies will be at a size disadvantage.

  • The Grizzlies will face the Jazz on Friday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Lauri Markkanen

A talented face-up big man for the Jazz who prefers to attack within 10 feet of the basket or behind the arc.

Ace Bailey

One of the stronger slim players on the Jazz roster, who can hurt the Grizzlies with his pull-up jumper.

Cam Spencer

A Grizzlies player who will need to step up and provide shot creation with the team's top players out.

Jaylen Wells

A Grizzlies player who will need to avoid deep misses, as the Jazz defense provides open 3-point opportunities.

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What’s next

The Grizzlies will need to continue to focus on their defensive intensity and rebounding as they look to overcome their size disadvantage against the Jazz.

The takeaway

This game against the rebuilding Jazz presents an opportunity for the Grizzlies' role players to step up and show what they can contribute when the team is shorthanded, as they look to overcome their struggles this season.