The Memphis Grizzlies (18-38), who are currently on a seven-game losing streak, will try to get back in the win column when they welcome the Cleveland Cavaliers (34-23) to FedExForum. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 212 points with Cleveland opening as a 5-point favorite. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET on Friday, February 23, 2018, and it can be seen on Fox Sports – Ohio.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Memphis Grizzlies Betting Preview
The Cavaliers lost to the Washington Wizards in their last outing, 110-103. With 32 points on 13-for-18 shooting, LeBron James was the game’s leading scorer. Washington had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (23.1 vs. 15.0). Cleveland, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.131 vs. 0.109).
The last time the Grizzlies played, they were beaten by the Oklahoma City Thunder, 121-114. With 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, Memphis’ Tyreke Evans played well. One of Oklahoma City’s largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They made 35 trips to the line, while Memphis went just 15 times.
The high-powered offense of Cleveland (fifth in the NBA with an offensive efficiency of 110.4) will square off against the mid-tier defense of Memphis (20th in the league with a defensive efficiency of 107.7). The Cavaliers figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
Of Cleveland’s 56 games with betting action, 30 have finished over the O/U total, while 31 of Memphis’ 56 games have finished under the projected point total. The Cavaliers hold the sizable advantage straight up (SU) (34-23 vs. 18-38), but the Grizzlies have the superior against the spread (ATS) record (24-30-2 vs. 18-37-1).
James has taken his game to another level over the last five games for Cleveland, averaging 29.0 points, 11.4 assists and 9.6 rebounds per game.
These teams have already met once this season. In that game, the two teams combined for 227 points, well over the projected point total of 205. The Cavaliers won 116-111, but were unable to cover as 12-point favorites. The Cavaliers played a nearly flawless game. They had a superb free throw rate of 0.280 and a turnover percentage of 10.5. For those same stats, the Grizzlies had marks of 0.143 and 11.7, respectively. Evans recorded a double-double in the loss, with 31 points and 12 assists.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Memphis Grizzlies ATS Prediction
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Cavaliers, ATS Winner – Cavaliers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Grizzlies rank 10th in three pointers allowed per game (27.8) while the Cavaliers rank last (32.2).
- Memphis ranks 14th in points off turnovers per game (16.5) while Cleveland ranks 19th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.6).
- Memphis ranks fifth in rebounds allowed per game (41.9) while Cleveland ranks 22nd (44.3).
- Cleveland is 12-17 ATS on the road, while Memphis is 13-16-1 ATS at home.
- Of the Cavaliers’ 29 road games, they have 16 overs and 13 unders.
- The Grizzlies have 19 unders and 11 overs in 30 home games.
- Memphis is 11-10 when they allow less than 100 points, while Cleveland is 12-2.
- The Cavaliers are 33-13 when they reach the century mark, while the Grizzlies are 13-14.
- The Cavaliers rank 12th in fast break points allowed per game (11.3) while the Grizzlies rank 26th (13.8).
- Memphis ranks second in points allowed in the paint per game (40.7) while Cleveland ranks 25th (46.9).
- The Grizzlies rank seventh in assists allowed per game (21.1) while the Cavaliers rank last (25.9).
- Memphis ranks eighth in blocks per game (5.1) while Cleveland ranks 28th (3.8).
Bettings Trends:
- Memphis is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Cleveland is 4-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
- The Grizzlies’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 14.0, up from 3.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 121.4 points per game (11.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 113.2 points per game (3.2 above their season average).