On Saturday, 02/23, the Cleveland Cavaliers (46-10) will host the Memphis Grizzlies (37-19) in an inter-conference Regular-Season match-up. The Cavaliers are cruising at the top of the Eastern Conference whereas the ascending Grizzlies are barely hanging on to the second spot in the West. Will the Western Conference powerhouse have any answer for the ruthless Cavs? Read about the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
Cavaliers: Back to demolition mode
The Cleveland Cavaliers will come into this game after an authoritative 37-point win (142-107) against the New York Knicks as Donovan Mitchell put up 27 points. They are on a six-game winning streak and have a 10-1 record since a three-game losing streak. During the 11-game period, they have scored 125.9 points per game(2nd) and the three-ball has been vital to their success as they have made 15.6 per game(3rd) on an impressive 37.6% shooting clip(tied for 3rd). To make things more impressive, they have given up just 107.4 PPG(3rd), enjoying arguably their season’s most impressive defensive stretch.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Darius Garland | SG: Donovan Mitchell SG: Max Strus | PF: Evan Mobley | C: Jarrett Allen(Questionable)/Dean Wade
Injuries: Jarrett Allen is a Game-Time Decision. JT Thor is Out.
Grizzlies: Offensive juggernaut
The Grizzlies come into this game after a narrow one-point win (105-104) against the Orlando Magic on the back of a 23-point performance by Ja Morant. They have lost three of their last five games, and the current road stretch is taking its toll. During their five-game lean period, they have scored 112.4 PPG(11th worst) compared to their season tally of 122.8 PPG(Tied for 1st). Meanwhile, they have leaked 119.2 PPG(10th worst), which has been a side effect of their fast tempo throughout the season.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Ja Morant | SG: Desmond Bane | SF: Jaylen Wells | PF: Jaren Jackson Jr. | C: Zach Edey
Injuries: Vince Williams Jr. is QUESTIONABLE.
The Cavaliers and the Grizzlies have been involved in many games where the overall total has gone past 250 points. However, recently, the Cavs have kept a tight lid on the defensive end whereas the Grizzlies have shown some struggles against such settings. But I expect the Grizzlies to return to their good ol’ high-scoring ways and I am comfortable in picking a total of over 250 points. I am sure the bookmakers will lean in a similar direction.
Projected Predictions:
Donovan Mitchell to score at least 26 points: The Cavs SG has put up 24.3 PPG this month, similar to his season production(24 PPG). However, the porous Grizzlies defense can allow him to cross his season average here.
Evan Mobley to block more than 2 shots: Mobley has tallied 2.6 blocks per game this month. He will likely cross that mark here.
Ja Morant to commit at least 3 turnovers: Morant has committed 4 turnovers per game in February. He might hit 5 turnovers mark in this game.
Desmond Bane to score at least 22 points: Bane has scored over 20 PPG since January and I expect him to hit the 24-26 points mark here.
This is an exciting game but recent trends suggest that the Cavs are heavy favorites here. The Grizzlies were fed up with their current road trip and it can culminate into another loss. However, I do expect them to keep the game alive till the middle of the fourth quarter. I thought the bookmakers may lean in to give the Cavs a favorable of about 8-10 points here but they have equal odds for a spread of around 6 points. However, I believe the Cavs are in here for a big win.
Projected Spread: Cavaliers -8.5 for +140 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Ken Blaze: Imagn Images
nba Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!
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