The Cleveland Cavaliers will face the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday (February 1). This will be the first meeting between the two teams this season. During the 2022–23 campaign, Cleveland had a 1-1 record against the Grizzlies, but this time they will have a strong edge. Memphis will have several key players missing in the upcoming game, including Ja Morant. However, the Grizzlies have been surprisingly competitive despite being undermanned. After a three-game winning streak, they have lost consecutive close games to the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings. Memphis will face another tough matchup but will give a tough fight.
The Cavaliers are 11-1 in their last 12 contests and are currently on a three-game winning streak. Evan Mobley and Darius Garland have also returned from injuries, which makes them more favorites in the upcoming game.
Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers were performing well, with Evan Mobley and Darius Garland in the lineup. But now that these two are back, the team has become even stronger to beat. However, the two may not tie up on Thursday as it will be the second game of a consecutive set. Even if Cleveland holds on to both, they still have the advantage in manpower and home court. They can register their fourth consecutive win.
Memphis has managed to be competitive. They are active on their defense more, as many of their options on offense have been dealing with injuries. Desmond Bane, Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, Ziaire Williams, Stevan Adams, Jake LaRavia and Brandon Clarke are out. Luke Kennard and Derrick Rose are questionable, while John Conchar is questionable. It’s commendable how the Grizzlies are still competing, considering how depleted their lineup is currently.
Starting lineup
If Evan Mobley and Darius Garland are allowed to play, they will definitely be in the starting lineups. Otherwise, Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro are taking their spots. Jarrett Allen, Donovan Mitchell and Max Strus are expected to start the game for Cleveland. The Grizzlies are expected to start with Jaren Jackson Jr., Santi Aldama, Xavier Tillman, Vince Williams Jr. and David Roddy.
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Prediction
Because of the injuries, the Memphis Grizzlies are undermanned, giving them a big disadvantage. The Cleveland Cavaliers may be playing back-to-back games, but they have been nearly unbeatable in January. Cleveland can win at home and do so against the spread.
