The Memphis Grizzlies (18-38) will attempt to put an end to their seven-game losing streak when they meet the Cleveland Cavaliers (34-23) at FedExForum. The game can be seen on Fox Sports – Ohio at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, February 23, 2018.
Cleveland opened as a 5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 212 points.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Memphis Grizzlies Betting Prediction
The Cavaliers are trying to rebound after their 110-103 loss to the Washington Wizards in their last matchup. Washington’s 23.1 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Cleveland, who had a mark of 15.0. The Wizards’ mark was below their season average of 23.1, while the Cavaliers’ was below the 23.7 mark opponents have averaged against Washington this season. LeBron James was the top scorer from either team with 32 points on 13-for-18 shooting.
In the Grizzlies’ last game, they were beaten by the Oklahoma City Thunder, 121-114. One of Oklahoma City’s biggest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They made 35 trips to the line, while Memphis went just 15 times. With 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, Memphis’ Tyreke Evans had a good performance.
Cleveland should have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Cavaliers currently rank fifth in offensive efficiency, while Memphis ranks 20th in defensive efficiency.
Cleveland holds records of 34-23 straight up (SU) and 18-37-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Cavaliers’ 56 games that accepted bets, 25 have finished under, 30 have finished over and one has pushed.
Meanwhile, Memphis is 18-38 SU and 24-30-2 ATS. Games involving the Grizzlies have a tendency to go under the projected point total (55.4 percent).
James has averaged 29.0 points, 11.4 assists and 9.6 rebounds over the last five games for Cleveland.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Evans had 31 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds in the first game, in which the Grizzlies lost 116-111 but covered as 11.5-point underdogs. The game finished with a total of 227 points, which was 22 points above the projected point total of 205 points. The Cavaliers made 21 of their 23 free throws (91.3 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (10.5 vs. 11.7).
Cleveland Cavaliers at Memphis Grizzlies Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Cavaliers, ATS Winner – Cavaliers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Cleveland is 12-17 ATS on the road with 16 overs and 13 unders.
At home, Memphis is 13-16-1 ATS with 19 unders and 11 overs.
When allowing under 100 points, Memphis is 11-10 and Cleveland is 12-2.
In games where they score over 100 points, the Grizzlies are 13-14 and the Cavaliers are 33-13.
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).
The Grizzlies rank 10th in three pointers allowed per game (27.8) while the Cavaliers rank last (32.2).
Memphis ranks fifth in rebounds allowed per game (41.9) while Cleveland ranks 22nd (44.3).
The Cavaliers rank 12th in fast break points allowed per game (11.3) while the Grizzlies rank 26th (13.8).
Memphis ranks 14th in points off turnovers per game (16.5) while Cleveland ranks 19th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Cleveland is 4-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Memphis is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Cavaliers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.2, up from 0.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 92.4 points per game (6.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 106.4 points per game (3.5 above their season average).
