Grizzlies vs Jazz Preview: Youth Movement Faces Grit

Friday's game feels like a meeting of two rebuilding plans. Memphis has torn down its old core and is stacking draft picks, while Utah keeps drafting and growing young talent. Both clubs want practice for prospects and better lottery odds, so coaches will play rookies a lot. Ja Morant and Lauri Markkanen are both out for the season, so expect different leaders to step up. This matchup is about development and future hopes.

Memphis is without Ja Morant, Zach Edey, and several vets, so young guards like Walter Clayton Jr. will see big minutes. Brandon Clarke and Santi Aldama are also out for the season, which changes matchups inside. Utah will miss Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, Walker Kessler, and Jusuf Nurkic, so Ace Bailey might handle more ball. Coaches will test rotations, so watch who earns minutes and who makes key plays under pressure.

Look for defense and learning moments more than scorelines. Utah lost big names but still has veterans to guide kids, so the game will show how fast rookies like Ace Bailey adapt. Memphis is testing youth and using picks as a roadmap, so players will chase reps and consistency. Watch who shows resilience and who avoids turnovers. As a result, this game helps both teams measure progress and hope for next season.