Check out our free Cavaliers vs Grizzlies pick and preview for this NBA game in Memphis. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this NBA matchup.
Cavaliers vs Grizzlies NBA Pick & Preview
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers at Memphis Grizzlies
- Where: Memphis at FedExForum
- Date: Wednesday, January 18th
- Betting Odds MEM -7, CLE +224 | MEM -281 O/U OFF
The Cavaliers come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 28-17. So far, the team has gone 24-20-1 against the spread. Across the team’s previous 3 games, they have gone 2-1 straight-up and 2-1 vs the spread.
In their previous game, the Cavaliers took down the Pelicans by a score of 113-103. Not only did they come away with a straight up win, but they also covered the spread as 7 point favorites. Even though Cleveland did not immediately put a dent in their halftime deficit as they trailed by 3 points heading into 4th, they still managed to come out on top. Leading the team in scoring was Darius Garland, as he contributed 30 points while hitting 40.9% of his shots.
The Grizzlies come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 30-13. So far, the team has gone 22-19-2 against the spread. In today’s game, Memphis will look to extend their 10 game winning streak. Over this stretch, they have an average scoring margin of 13.7 points.
In their previous game, the Grizzlies took down the Suns by a score of 136-106. Not only did they come away with a straight up win, but they also covered the spread as 12 point favorites. Memphis went on to win the game, as they led by 3 heading into halftime. In the win, Ja Morant led the team in scoring with 29 points on a field goal percentage of 55.0%.
Head To Head Recap & Stats
The Grizzlies will look to carry over last year’s success vs Cleveland, as the won both games of the series. The average point total of these two meetings was 245.5, with Memphis winning by scores of 132-121 and 121-106. In last year’s head-to-head meetings, the Cavaliers averaged 113.5 points per game vs Memphis, which was an increase over their season-long average. While the Cavaliers saw a boost in scoring, the Grizzlies averaged 121.0 points per contest in head-to-head meeting vs Cleveland. This figure was similar to season-long average. In terms of betting, Memphis has an ATS record of 3-2 in the previous 5 matchups vs Cleveland. This mark has come on an average scoring margin of +5 points per game in favor of the Grizzlies. A combined average of 213 points per game was achieved in these matchups, leading to an over-under mark of 2-3.
Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game
Through 45 games, Cleveland is averaging 111.5 points per game (26th). When looking at the team’s pace of play, the Cavaliers are currently below the league average in possessions per game, averaging just 96.4 per contest. This deliberate style of basketball has played a role in the unit ranking just 22nd in made shots per game.
So far, the Cavaliers have played well defensively, as they are ranked 5th in the league at 105.67 points per contest.
In this game against the Grizzlies, Darius Garland is expected to take on a larger offensive role for the Cavaliers. In his 36 games this season, Garland has averaged 21.4 points per game and hit 44.8% of his field goal attempts. The team’s leading scorer, Donovan Mitchell, is listed as doubtful for this game, making Garland the top candidate to lead the team in scoring. He is 43rd in the league in usage rate this season. He will be matched up against a Memphis defense that has struggled against point-guards, ranking 2nd in the league in points allowed to players at that position.
The Memphis offense will take the floor in today’s game with the league’s 4th ranked offense at 117.6 points per game. Coming into today’s game, the Grizzlies will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 11.6 made 3’s per game. If the Memphis offense is going to turn things around, not only do they need to improve their outside shooting but they must do a better job protecting the ball. Currently, they are averaging 13.5 turnovers per game.
Against the Cavaliers, the Grizzlies will look to continue their strong defensive play. For the year, they are the 12th ranked unit at 109.93 points per game.
Point-Guard Ja Morant currently leads the Grizzlies at 27.5 points per game. For the season, he is 5th in the NBA in usage rate and has taken 22.4% of the team’s field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring, Morant is averaging 5.7 boards and 7.9 assists per contest. In today’s game, he is facing off against the NBA’s 9th ranked defense at defending point-guards. Dillon Brooks enters the game sitting second on the team in scoring. Through 39 games, he is averaging 16.5 and is 308th in the league in player efficiency rating.
Cavaliers vs Grizzlies Pick
- Free Spread Prediction: Grizzlies -7
- Free Total Prediction: Under OFF
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