{"id":707683,"date":"2026-04-10T21:33:47","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T21:33:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/707683\/"},"modified":"2026-04-10T21:33:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T21:33:47","slug":"nba-analyst-labels-jazz-grizzlies-game-the-tanking-super-bowl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/707683\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA Analyst Labels Jazz-Grizzlies Game the ‘Tanking Super Bowl’"},"content":{"rendered":"

For what’s set to be the final Utah Jazz<\/a> home game of the 2025-26 season against the Memphis Grizzlies<\/a>, there’s bound to be some steep future implications when it comes to this year’s draft lottery.<\/p>\n

So much so that this game between the Jazz and Grizzlies now been dubbed the “Tanking Super Bowl” by ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst.<\/p>\n

“We have arrived at the Tanking Super Bowl,” Windhorst said on ESPN’s Get Up! “I think it merits what we have to watch tonight.”<\/p>\n

“We’ve worked for months to get here. The teams have worked hard. We have arrived. I give you the Memphis Grizzlies versus the Utah Jazz, a game that nobody, and I mean nobody, wants to win.”<\/p>\n

Jazz-Grizzlies tonight. <\/p>\n

Catch the fever!<\/p>\n

Just @WindhorstESPN<\/a> at his absolute best here. @GetUpESPN<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/iMDUVeITed<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) April 10, 2026<\/a>Jazz, Grizzlies Face Off in “Tanking Super Bowl”<\/p>\n

There’s a ton at stake between both sides when looking at just how much a win could potentially impact each’s overall lottery odds headed into next month.<\/p>\n

As Windhorst highlights, a win for either the Jazz or the Grizzlies would result in losing at least a 7% chance<\/a> of landing within the top four picks on the board; a risk that neither front office is eager to take on.<\/p>\n

With that in mind, a staggering 22 players have been listed on the Jazz and Grizzlies injury report as either in question or out, making this one a fascinating matchup to watch for the sole purpose of tanking.<\/p>\n

“If Memphis wins this game, they could lose 7% chance at the top four. If Utah wins this game, they could lose 10%. Do you know what Utah has gone through?” Windhorst continued. “Memphis has 12 players out tonight, and another who’s listed as doubtful. 90% of their salaries are on the bench tonight. Utah has eight players out tonight.”<\/p>\n

“Peter [Schrager], you think I am kidding what I’m about to tell you? If you showed up on the bench and dressed in a Jazz or Grizzly jersey, the coach would not only put you in the game, he would run plays for you. This is going to be theater.”<\/p>\n

Expect to See More PT for Two-Way, 10-Day Signings\"Feb<\/p>\n

Feb 20, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Utah Jazz center Oscar Tshiebwe (34) shoots over Memphis Grizzlies forward Kyle Anderson (5) during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The Jazz will be without several of their key rotational pieces, but will be a bit more available than the Grizzlies’ lineup that’s likely set to be without 13 players due to injury.<\/p>\n

Utah’s fifth-overall pick Ace Bailey appears to be ready to go after missing last game with a knee injury, as will second-year guys Cody Williams and Kyle Filipowski.<\/p>\n

However, based on how this one sets up, it certainly wouldn’t be surprising if the Jazz opted to run a bit more action for some of their two-way talents like Oscar Tshiebwe and Blake Hinson, as well as some of their 10-day signees like Kennedy Chandler and Bez Mbeng, who was just recently inked to a multi-year deal.<\/p>\n

Tip-off between the Jazz and Grizzlies lands at 7:30 p.m. MT in the Delta Center, where Utah will either extend their current losing streak to 11 straight games, or close out their final home game of the year on a high note\u2013\u2013 albeit with some lingering shifts within the lottery.<\/p>\n