Game Details:
- Matchup: Memphis Grizzlies at Cleveland Cavaliers
- Date: Wednesday, November 15
- Time: 5:10 PM EST
- Spread: Cavaliers -10.5
- Total: 238.5
Battle of the Banged-Up: Injury Woes Define Grizzlies-Cavs Showdown
The Memphis Grizzlies travel to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in a contest where the injury report is as important as the box score. Both teams are dealing with significant absences and question marks surrounding their star players, which makes the hefty 10.5-point spread in favor of the Cavaliers and the high total of 238.5 points intriguing. This game will likely be decided by which team’s depth can best overcome their missing pieces.
Memphis Grizzlies: All Eyes on Ja
The biggest story for Memphis revolves around the status of superstar guard Ja Morant. Just three days ago, Morant was downgraded to questionable with ankle soreness, and his availability will be the single most critical factor for the Grizzlies.
Memphis is already navigating a sea of injuries. The team will be without key contributors like Brandon Clarke (knee), Javon Small (toe), and Scottie Pippen Jr. (toe), who is set to be re-evaluated in 12 weeks. With other role players like GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr. also appearing on recent injury reports as out, the Grizzlies’ depth is being stretched to its limit. If Morant is unable to play or is significantly limited, it’s hard to see where Memphis will generate enough consistent offense to keep pace.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Navigating Their Own Absences
The Cavaliers are far from full strength themselves. A recent report from November 11th confirmed that starting wing Max Strus will be out for the game. While he is no longer in a walking boot for his foot injury, he still has a “lengthy recovery process ahead,” robbing Cleveland of its premier floor-spacer.
Adding to the concern, star point guard Darius Garland has been listed on recent reports as dealing with “left great toe injury management.” His status is uncertain, and his potential absence would be another major blow to Cleveland’s playmaking and scoring.
Despite the injuries, the Cavaliers still have a formidable frontcourt anchored by Evan Mobley and a star scorer who has historically dominated Memphis. According to recent game notes, this player (presumably Donovan Mitchell) boasts a 14-4 career record against the Grizzlies and has been shooting the ball exceptionally well from three-point range in his last four games against them.
Prediction
This matchup is a classic case of “who is less injured?” The betting line reflects major uncertainty, particularly around Ja Morant. A 10.5-point spread is massive for two teams that, at full strength, would be a much tighter matchup.
The total of 238.5 points seems excessively high. The Grizzlies’ offense is a shell of itself without a healthy Morant. For the Cavaliers, the confirmed absence of Strus and the potential loss of Garland removes two of their primary offensive weapons. This game has all the makings of a slower, more grinding affair where both teams struggle for offensive efficiency. The under is the most confident play here.
As for the spread, it all hinges on Morant. If he sits, the Cavaliers should be able to control the game at home with Mitchell and Mobley, even without Strus and possibly Garland. The Grizzlies’ remaining roster will have a tough time creating enough points. We’ll lean on the home team to handle a depleted Memphis squad.
Prediction: Cavaliers 117, Grizzlies 104The Pick: Grizzlies +10.5 (Updated thought: with Garland also likely out, 10.5 is too many points for a banged-up Cavs team to cover. Let’s take the points with the Grizzlies but stick with the under.)The Pick (Final): Under 238.5Final Score Prediction: Cavaliers 116, Grizzlies 108****Sources:
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