Memphis Grizzlies vs Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Picks, Odds, Predictions 10/20/21

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies meet Wednesday in NBA action at the FedExForum. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 22 games last year and are still looking for their first playoff trip since LeBron left. The Memphis Grizzlies won 38 games last season and enter the third year under coach Taylor Jenkins.

The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to try to find talent to build around, and the additions of Evan Mobley and Lauri Markkanen should help. A back court of Darius Garland and Collin Sexton is one of the more talented, young back courts in the league and could surprise some folks this season. Jarrett Allen probably isn’t worth the contract he got this season, but he’s a solid big who does make the Cavs better. Ricky Rubio adds veteran experience and play making off the bench, and Kevin Love probably has something left in the tank if he can stay healthy. The Cavaliers are a better team than they were last year, but they’re still a piece or two away before you can make a case for a playoff berth.

The Memphis Grizzlies young duo of Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks is now a year older, and the expectations are starting to increase as they gain experience. The Grizzlies add Steven Adams for front court depth and Jarrett Culver to strengthen the bench. Ziaire Williams and Santi Aldama were both drafted in the top-30 and will be given every chance for immediate playing time. The Grizzlies should also get a boost with the return of Jaren Jackson Jr., as he played just 11 games last season due to a left knee injury. There’s serious potential with these Grizzlies, and they should be able to push for a middle seed in the West this season.

The Cavaliers are 7-23 ATS in their last 30 road games and 15-38-1 ATS in their last 54 games overall. The Grizzlies are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall. The under is 6-2-1 in Cavaliers last 9 road games. The over is 5-0 in Grizzlies last 5 overall. The Cavaliers are 21-7 ATS in the last 28 meetings.

The Memphis Grizzlies are clearly the much better team here and should be favored, but this is a big line for a season opener when guys are just trying to get their feet under them. Also, the Grizzlies will be without Dillon Brooks, which is a rather big blow at both ends of the floor. The Cleveland Cavaliers are better than they were a year ago, and they did beat the Grizzlies on the road last season, back in January. Not my most favorite game on a stacked NBA card, but I lean Cavs and the points.