Grizzlies vs Cavaliers Predictions & Odds (Feb. 2)

Grizzlies vs Cavaliers Betting Analysis

These two teams met roughly two weeks ago in Memphis, producing a fantastic game. The Grizzlies prevailed 115-114, led by the 25 points of Desmond Bane and 24 points from Ja Morant.

Bane had missed Memphis’ previous two contests prior to Wednesday with a knee injury, but he returned versus the Trail Blazers and should be good to go against Cleveland.

Donovan Mitchell meanwhile, sat out the Cavs contest versus the Grizz last month due to a groin injury, but has been back for two games and will be on the court Thursday.

Cleveland enters play with the second best home record in the East, and tied for the third most home wins in the league. They have an outrageous 107.8 defensive rating in their own building, better than every other team except the Grizzlies.

NBA Net Rating Ranks

The Cavaliers own the league’s second best Net Rating overall, one spot above Memphis. They boast significant home/road splits, but Memphis’ are even more extreme. The Grizzlies have an 11.1 Net Rating in their own building. On the road, that number drops to -1.9.

Memphis has dropped five straight on the road, however it should be noted three of those losses were by two points or less.

Cleveland saw its two game home winning streak come to an end on Tuesday, falling 100-97 to the Heat. The Cavs defense was once again superb, but a cold shooting night from Mitchell and Darius Garland sunk them. The backcourt duo combined to shoot 5-of-20 from three, finishing with only 16 points a piece.

Mitchell’s production has significantly tapered off over his last five games, which must be concerning to Cleveland fans. He started the month with a 71 point performance versus the Bulls, but over his last five starts he’s averaging just 15.8 points per game.

He’s shot over 37.5% in only one of those outings, and life won’t get any easier against a Memphis team ranked second in defensive rating.

Grizzlies vs Cavaliers Predictions

Not only are the Grizzlies near the top of the defensive rating ranks, but they’re also top-seven in scoring as well. Morant has been on an absolute tear recently, racking up a triple-double in three straight games. That’s three more than he had all of last season, and he accomplished the feat on Wednesday in just 23 minutes.

Memphis is a top-six NBA Championship odds contender, and boast a title price that is two and a half time shorter than Cleveland’s. Yes, they’re on the second half of a back-to-back, and there’s a chance they rest some of their guys, but they still shouldn’t be catching 5 points in this spot.

The Cavaliers have been inconsistent at best over the past two weeks, losing five of their past eight. Their defense has been carrying them, but offensively it’s been a struggle. Cleveland has scored 103 points or less in three of its last five contests, and rank 20th in offensive rating since January 2nd.

Pick: Memphis Grizzlies +5 (-110)