Memphis vs Utah Prediction 22 October 2026

Memphis are in the midst of a sweeping rebuild. The club have parted ways with their brightest hope of recent years, Morant, and are now betting on another crop of young talent. Small and company have the potential to develop into a formidable unit, but that will take time - a lot of it. For now, the only consistent asset Memphis can showcase is their dynamic offense. Last season brought plenty of surprises, with the Grizzlies catching fire from beyond the arc - something we could well see again in the upcoming game.

The preseason has been relatively successful for the hosts: they picked up three wins from four games. These results are largely down to Memphis boasting depth on their bench, with even fringe players eager to prove themselves to the coaching staff. Energy, audacity, and a high tempo remain hallmarks of this team’s style. That approach recently paid off in a 117-98 win over Charlotte, where Memphis knocked down over 41% of their three-point attempts - a stat they’ll look to replicate in their next outing. On the defensive end, however, they lack any real standout options.

Utah are gradually evolving from a rebuilding side into genuine playoff contenders. Their young core has matured, and the front office is now complementing that youth with experienced veterans. This mix could translate into more consistent basketball, especially on the offensive end. It’s unlikely that Utah will abandon their trademark high-tempo style - expect pace to remain a key part of their identity. Their efficiency should steadily improve as well.

The pairing of Markkanen and Jackson stands out as a particularly intriguing duo. Both are versatile forwards with excellent shooting range, and each is capable of putting up 20-plus points on any given night. The rest of the roster - including their backcourt - boasts quick feet and an insatiable appetite for filling up the stat sheet. While the coaching staff is gradually bringing more stability, Utah tend to go all out against lower-tier opposition, including Memphis. They’ll look to rack up as many points as possible. Even in preseason, the Jazz have shown plenty of ambition, recently outgunning San Antonio (119-109) and Phoenix (119-116).