Back to Back: Grizzlies vs. Cavaliers Preview
The season series between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Cleveland Cavaliers will be decided over the next 36 hours. Both games for the season will be played within the next 36 hours. The Cavaliers will play host to the Grizzlies tonight; the Grizzlies will return the favor on tomorrow.
The last time these two teams saw each other the Grizzlies were battered and beaten down by injuries. They had eight men available to play. Yes, of the 15 men on the roster, only 8 were able-bodied. The Cavaliers were full-strength. The Grizzlies started Mario Chalmers, Tony Allen, PJ Hairston, JaMychal Green and Ryan Hollins. Lance Stephenson, Jarell Martin and Vince Carter were the bench players. Lebron James and Kyrie Irving played 37 minutes. Kevin Love played 33 minutes and J R Smith played 32 minutes. The Grizzlies, aptly nicknamed the Hateful Eight that night, came away with a 106-103 victory in Cleveland. Tony Allen was the Grizzlies’ leading scorer. Yes, Tony Allen. Just like most of us haven’t forgotten, neither have the Cavaliers I’m sure. And whether it’s said or not, they saw the end result of what happened in Memphis on this past Saturday too against the Western Conference & league leader, Golden State Warriors.
The Western Conference Player of the Week, Marc Gasol, will rest tonight. It’s been said that he didn’t travel with the team, but fans can expect to see him suit up tomorrow at home. He’ll join Conley, Carter, Ennis III, Parsons, and Wright as missing from the Grizzlies line-up tonight in Cleveland. So, the Grizzlies have (as a good friend of mine often says) “a tough row to hoe” tonight and tomorrow just like they did on March 7 when they last saw the Cavaliers and won. Defense won on this past Saturday against the #1 offense. How will it fare over the next 36 hours against the #3 offense? Let’s see how they look head to head.
Head to Head
Record: Grizzlies 17-8 (10-4 at home; 7-4 on the road); Cavaliers 17-5 (11-2 at home; 6-3 on the road)
Points Per Game: Grizzlies 98; Cavaliers 111.5
Points Allowed: Grizzlies 97.6; Cavaliers 103.6
Last 10 Games: Grizzlies 7-3 (5-0 in last 5); Cavaliers 7-3 (4-1 in last 5)
FG%: Grizzlies 42%; Cavaliers 47%
3PFG%: Grizzlies 33%; Cavaliers 40%
Rebounds: Grizzlies 43.9; Cavaliers 44.3
Assists: Grizzlies 20; Cavaliers 22.7
Steals: Grizzlies 8.6; Cavaliers 6.8
Blocks: Grizzlies 5.4; Cavaliers 4.5
Turnovers: Grizzlies 13.8; Cavaliers 13.9
The Cavaliers are at full strength. They won’t play again until Saturday against the Lakers, so whether or not they’ll choose to rest players tomorrow is yet to be determined. The Grizzlies were the underdog on Saturday, and not only did they manage to get a win, they managed to get a decisive, all-around win. They’re underdogs tonight and tomorrow as well. They ain’t never scared though. So, don’t you be scared either Grizz Nation. Prepare to tune-in for tip-off tonight at 6 p.m. and get your tickets and head over to Fed Ex Forum tomorrow for tip-off at 7 p.m. as the Grizzlies start a nice home stand leading into Christmas. This team is full of surprises. You don’t want to miss any of the action. Go Grizz!!
**Sources used nba.com**
- Grizzlies dominate Hawks again in 118-101 victory - March 8, 2020
- Grizzlies rally too late, fall to Pelicans 126-116 - January 21, 2020
- Grizzlies win fifth straight, defeat Warriors 122-102 - January 13, 2020
