Grizzlies vs. Cavaliers: A Quick Preview
Today the Memphis Grizzlies play the Cleveland Cavaliers in their first of the season’s two matchups. The Cavaliers are playing their fourth game in a five game home stand and have won 2 of the three games played. The Grizzlies are coming off of a loss to the Chicago Bulls and are looking to go 3-1 during what I will say has been their toughest stretch yet this season. Three of the last 5 games the Grizzlies played have ended in OT, including the Spurs 3OT thriller.
So far this season has not lived up to expectations for the Cavs. They sit 5th in the Eastern conference with a 15-10 record. In the offseason the Cavs loaded up their roster, signing LeBron James and trading for Kevin Love. So far this year LeBron James is having his lowest point per game season since his rookie year at 25.3 and Kevin Love is only scoring an average 17.1, a far cry from the 25.9 he finished with last year. While they both still harness great performances, there is something to be said about some of the chemistry issues this team has been displaying. LeBron speaks openly about the lack of trust, especially defensively, within the team. They are currently 23rd with Detroit, allowing 105.7 points per 100 possessions. With that said the Cavaliers have won 7 of their last 8 games at home. The Cavs are averaging 8 three pointers per game and are only shooting an average 35.5% from the 3-point line. Of course, the Cavs will spend their fair share of time at the charity stripe shooting an average 25.9 FTs per game. The Grizzlies will need to play solid defense and not get into foul trouble to maintain control of the game.
Kyrie Irving going head to head with Mike Conley is the matchup I can’t wait to watch today. Both of these point guards are team leaders and will dictate a lot of today’s game play. If there ever was a game for Mike Conley to show why he should be an All-Star this will be one.
Tony Allen will not play today due to a corneal abrasion. Zach Randolph will also be out due to a sore knee remaining from an injury sustained during the Chicago Bulls game on Friday. Jarnell Stokes and Jordan Adams were both called up from the Iowa Energy for today’s game. I for one hope we get to see some more minutes from Stokes and that he give us a show.
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- Grizzlies Out Hustle Rockets and Head to Dallas - October 24, 2017
- The Grizzlies are Backed Into A Corner: Spurs Win Game 5 - April 26, 2017
- Memphis at San Antonio: Grizzlies Did Not Layeth the Smacketh Down - March 25, 2017
