Grizzlies visit Jazz with two of the NBA's leakiest defenses

The Memphis Grizzlies (25-57 last season) visit the Utah Jazz (22-60) on Monday, October 26, in a matchup of two porous defenses that turns on who can stop shots. Tip-off is at 9:00 PM ET.

Utah allowed an effective field goal percentage of 57.8 last season, the worst in the league, and its defensive rating of 119.9 ranked 29th. Memphis shot 53.3 effective, 24th, so the Grizzlies should find open looks but not always finish them.

Pace adds to the strain. Utah played the third-fastest tempo in the league and Memphis the fifth, so both defenses face a lot of possessions. Memphis was no better at stopping shots: its opponents shot 56.2 effective, 26th.

Both teams are shaky on the defensive glass. Memphis collected 70.9% of available defensive rebounds, 29th, and Utah 72.9%, 24th. Utah's offensive rebound rate of 26.2% ranked 11th, so the Jazz can turn misses into second chances.

Lauri Markkanen averaged 26.7 points last season and hit 89.6% of his free throws, giving Utah a scorer who gets to the line and cashes in. Isaiah Collier averaged 7.2 assists. For Memphis, Jerami Grant averaged 18.6 points and Cam Spencer 5.6 assists.

Utah is without Jusuf Nurkic, who led the Jazz with 10.4 rebounds a game last season. His return date is Wednesday, November 4. Guard Trey Alexander is also out. Memphis lists center Zach Edey and forward Karim Lopez as out.

Memphis won the first meeting 123-103 on Wednesday, October 21. The Grizzlies have since won at Sacramento 123-112 and at Golden State 111-108. Utah beat New Orleans 120-119 and lost 132-123 to the Lakers.

Sportsbooks' prices give Utah a 51% chance to win. Keel's projection, built from the players available, gives Memphis 51%.