NBA Odds, Betting Lines, Picks & Predictions: Cavs Vs. Grizzlies (1/18/23)

Betting Matchup Preview

• Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (28-17) at Memphis Grizzlies (30-13)
• When: Wednesday, Jan. 18
• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET 
• Where: FedEx Forum (Memphis, Tennessee)

Betting Odds Summary

• Spread: Cavaliers +7 (-110), Grizzlies -7 (-110)
• Moneyline: Cavaliers (+215), Grizzlies (-260)
• Total: Over/Under 223.5 (-110/-110)

Note: Odds and lines from FanDuel Sportsbook are current at the time of writing and subject to change.

Memphis looks to extend its uber-impressive ten-game winning streak when it hosts the Cleveland Cavaliers, a team that has been inconsistent away from Rocket Mortage FieldHouse. These teams represent the two best defensive teams in the NBA due to their antagonizing perimeter defense and stout interior rim protection. 

This game should be electric, a clash between two titans in their respective conferences. Add even more fun to the game by checking out our best basketball bets below, including player props, point spread, moneyline, and a playable, five-leg parlay.

Spread, Moneyline, Total: Cavaliers vs. Grizzlies

On Wednesday night, Cleveland is a seven-point spread road dog against the Grizzlies in Memphis. The Grizzlies have put together an impressive ten-game win streak, and while it is excellent for their record and momentum, it was not against the cream of the crop in terms of talent. Memphis played just three teams with a winning record during that span, and two of those teams were without their best player.

Still, this Grizzlies team is downright tough; they rank first in defensive rating, with Jaren Jackson Jr. lurking in the paint and Dillon Brooks patrolling the perimeter. Jackson has averaged 3.3 blocks per game and has recorded at least two blocks in 14 straight games, despite getting in foul trouble in some of those matchups. Between Ja Morant’s tantalizing athleticism, Jackson and Brooks’ elite defense, Desmond Bane’s shooting, and the Grizzlies’ incredible bench depth, this is one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers have the worst road record out of the top seven teams in the Eastern Conference. While Cleveland occasionally squeaks out a win away from Rocket Mortgage, it scarcely seems to beat teams that are objectively better than it on the road. Of Cleveland’s nine road wins, only one came against a better team: Boston. Cleveland’s victory against the C’s came in October before they got the momentum that skyrocketed them to first place in the East. 

This fact makes the Cavs’ job even more difficult than it already is, as Memphis has a better record and a stronger team, especially since Donovan Mitchell is sidelined with a groin injury. Mitchell’s absence will put a ton of pressure on young All-Star guard Darius Garland to carry the Cavs’ offense. For those reasons, the Grizzlies’ moneyline (-260) and seven-point spread (-110) can be considered.

Player Prop Bets: Cavaliers vs. Grizzlies

• Grizzlies C Steven Adams To Record Double-Double (+200)

Steven Adams has been one of the most critical “glue guys” for Memphis since arriving in the trade that sent former Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas to the Pelicans. Adams does far more than what shows on the stat sheet; he has perfected the art of “clearing the lane” for Ja Morant on his dribble drives.

That means that Adams smartly positions himself between himself and his defender so that Morant has a clear path to the rim as long as he can get by his own defender on the perimeter. Adams also gets his hands on balls, whether tipping it to other teammates when he cannot bring it down or deflecting passes in the paint on defense. 

Adams has been a rebounding machine all season, but recently, he has been on an all-time tear. In his past 11 games, he averaged over 14 rebounds per game, including back-to-back 20-rebound games. Additionally, Adams has recorded a double-double in five of his past nine outings and has been within either one point or one rebound in two other games during that span.

In short, Adams has a strong possibility of reaching a double-double based on his recent games. The implied probability of 33.3% is far below his play level and, thus, is worth a look. Adams has a tough matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who allow the fifth-fewest points to opposing centers. However, it is difficult to imagine Jarrett Allen or Evan Mobley keeping Adams off the glass; he has ten or 20 pounds on Allen and 30 or 40 pounds on Mobley.

• Grizzlies SG Desmond Bane To Hit 3+ Threes (-130)

Before Desmond Bane suffered a big toe injury that sidelined him for several weeks, he shot an elite 45% from deep on nearly nine attempts per game. 

Upon returning, it was clear that Bane needed to get back into game shape and regain his shooting touch. It took him a few games to shake off the rust, but he would have hit this prop in his past five games. During that stretch, Bane has shot 59% from behind the arc. 

This matchup against the Cavaliers is not easy, as they allow the fewest three-pointers to opposing shooting guards. Mitchell is the usual shooting guard starter for the Cavs, but he will not be available for this game. Mitchell’s absence should free up Bane.

Our Same-Game Parlay: Cavaliers vs. Grizzlies

In anticipation of an exciting non-conference bout between two titans, we put together a five-leg same-game parlay:

• Memphis Grizzlies’ Moneyline (-260)
• Desmond Bane 3+ Threes (-130)
• Steven Adams 10+ Rebounds (-260)
• Steven Adams 10+ Points (+135)
• Darius Garland 20+ Points (-290)

Memphis has been on a mission recently, proving that it is amongst the top teams in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies have won by an average of 14 points during their ten-game winning streak while holding opponents to just 43% from the field and 31% from behind the arc. Cleveland’s second-half struggles on the road have given teams that aren’t as good an opportunity to put it away late in games. 

Memphis is a far better squad than most of the teams that Cleveland has faced on the road this season. The most comparable recent game would be when Cleveland played against the Denver Nuggets, who won by 13 points. Memphis should take care of business, especially without Donovan Mitchell to worry about.

Bane has finally found his shooting stroke from deep again after struggling in his first few games back from his toe injury. He has hit this line in five straight games and should get some clean looks against a Cavs defense without Mitchell.

Darius Garland has a challenging task: beat the Memphis Grizzlies on the road without his partner in crime, Mitchell. Still, Garland has posted at least 20 points in five of his past six games, and he has the worst defender on the floor (Ja Morant) set to be his primary defender. 

This parlay has +770 odds, so a winning $100 wager would return $770 in profits and your original stake.