NBA Game Preview: Cleveland Cavaliers (49-29) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (25-53)

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Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM CT
Venue: FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee

Cleveland enters this matchup as a top‑four Eastern Conference team riding strong late‑season momentum, while Memphis continues a difficult campaign marked by injuries, defensive struggles, and a four‑game losing streak.

Injury Report

Cleveland Cavaliers (all GTD for Apr 6):

Evan Mobley — Calf

Sam Merrill — Hamstring

Jarrett Allen — Knee

Jaylon Tyson — Toe

Dean Wade — Ankle

Memphis Grizzlies (all GTD for Apr 6):

Cam Spencer — Back

Javon Small — Thigh

Jahmai Mashack — Concussion

GG Jackson — Knee

Cedric Coward — Back

Memphis’ injury list continues to undermine lineup consistency, while Cleveland’s questionable frontcourt depth bears monitoring.

Team Records & Recent Form

Cleveland Cavaliers (49–29)

Last 5: W117–108 vs IND, W118–111 @ GS, L127–113 @ LAL, W122–113 @ UTA, W149–128 vs MIA

Season Averages:

119.3 PPG, 48% FG, 36% 3PT, 77.5% FT

44.3 RPG, 28.3 APG

115.1 PPG allowed

Cleveland’s offense is elite, ranking among the league’s most efficient, and the team has won four of its last five.

Memphis Grizzlies (25–53)

Last 5: L131–115 @ MIL, L128–96 vs TOR, L130–119 vs NYK, L131–105 vs PHX, W125–124 vs CHI

Season Averages:

114.8 PPG, 46% FG

42.3 RPG, 27.9 APG

119.7 PPG allowed (bottom‑tier defense)

Memphis has dropped four straight and continues to struggle defensively.

Key Player Matchups

Donovan Mitchell (CLE) vs. Cedric Coward (MEM)

Mitchell: 27.8 PPG, 5.7 APG, 48.1% FG

Coward: 13.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 46.4% FG

Edge: Cleveland — Mitchell’s All‑NBA‑level production is a major mismatch.

Evan Mobley (CLE) vs. GG Jackson (MEM)

Mobley: 9.0 RPG, elite interior presence

Jackson: GTD, inconsistent availability

Edge: Cleveland — If Mobley plays, his rebounding and rim protection are decisive.

James Harden (CLE) vs. Memphis Backcourt

Harden has been a stabilizing force since joining Cleveland, including a 19‑point performance in their last win.

Edge: Cleveland — Veteran playmaking vs. an injury‑depleted Memphis guard rotation.

Series History

Cleveland has dominated recent meetings, including a win earlier this season (108–100 on Nov. 15).
The Cavaliers are one road win away from a season sweep.

Betting Trends

Cleveland: 4–1 in last five, elite offense, strong road form.

Memphis: 0–4 in last four, defensive collapse, major injuries.

Cleveland has covered large spreads recently due to explosive scoring.

Game Odds

Cleveland Cavaliers        – 15.5

Memphis Grizzlies          234.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, April 5, 2026