Utah Jazz vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.20.26

Utah Jazz vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.20.26

As the NBA season enters its final stretch, the Utah Jazz (18-38) travel to the FedExForum to face the Memphis Grizzlies (20-33) on February 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM. This matchup features two rosters severely depleted by significant injuries, forcing secondary options and young prospects into high-usage roles in what promises to be an unpredictable Western Conference battle.

Utah Jazz vs Memphis Grizzlies Matchup Preview

Utah Jazz Key Stats & Trends

The Utah Jazz continue to lean heavily on Lauri Markkanen, who is producing at an All-Star level with 26.7 PPG and 7.0 RPG. However, the team’s structural integrity is compromised without its primary rim protectors. Rookie Isaiah Collier has been a bright spot, distributing 7.4 APG, but the Jazz struggle to maintain defensive consistency when Markkanen is off the floor.

• Points: Lauri Markkanen (26.7)
• Rebounds: Lauri Markkanen (7.0)
• Assists: Isaiah Collier (7.4)
• Rating: Lauri Markkanen (26.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG)

Injury Report Utah Jazz

• Oscar Tshiebwe (Out): Tshiebwe (concussion) is questionable for Friday’s game against the Grizzlies.
• Jusuf Nurkic (Out): Nurkic is out for Friday’s game against Memphis due to nose injury management.
• Keyonte George (Out): George (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday’s game against Memphis.
• Jaren Jackson Jr. (Out): Jackson was diagnosed with a localized PVNS growth in his left knee and will miss the remainder of the season.
• Walker Kessler (Out): Kessler will undergo left shoulder surgery and will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

Memphis Grizzlies Key Stats & Trends

Memphis is currently operating with a “next man up” philosophy. With their core stars sidelined, Jaylen Wells (12.1 PPG) and Cam Spencer (5.6 APG) have inherited the offensive load. The Grizzlies have shifted to a high-pace, perimeter-oriented attack, as they currently lack the traditional size to dominate the paint.

• Points: Jaylen Wells (12.1)
• Rebounds: GG Jackson (3.6)
• Assists: Cam Spencer (5.6)
• Rating: Cam Spencer (11.6 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 5.6 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG)

Injury Report Memphis Grizzlies

• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Out): Underwent surgery on his right pinky finger; out for the season.
• Scotty Pippen Jr. (Out): Ruled out due to left great toe injury management.
• Walter Clayton Jr. (Out): Clayton (calf) is doubtful for Friday.
• Cedric Coward (Out): Coward (knee) won’t play.
• Ty Jerome (Out): Out due to right calf injury management.
• Santi Aldama (Out): Aldama (knee) is out.
• Ja Morant (Out): Experiencing discomfort from a UCL sprain; re-evaluated in two weeks.
• Zach Edey (Out): Recovering from a stress reaction in his left ankle; out at least six weeks.
• Brandon Clarke (Out): Progressing from a Grade 2 calf strain; expected back in 4-6 weeks.

Utah Jazz vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction & Best Bet

Despite the staggering injury list, the Memphis Grizzlies hold a slight edge due to home-court advantage and a more cohesive bench rotation. Defensively, both teams are missing their elite shot-blockers (Kessler and Edey), which suggests the paint will be wide open for high-percentage finishes. We expect a fast-paced game where transition scoring thrives. Take the over on the 238.5 total points line, as neither side possesses the defensive personnel to slow down the game.