The Cleveland Cavaliers are making some noise in the Eastern Conference as they secure the fourth-best record out East in the 2023-2024 NBA season. Last night, the Cavaliers hit the road to face the Memphis Grizzlies, and they didn’t disappoint their fans, grabbing their 30th win of the season with a final score of 108-101. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Cleveland in terms of betting odds.
Despite being eight-point road favorites, the Cavaliers failed to cover the spread. This was a bit surprising to some, as Memphis was missing key players in the matchup and were shorthanded. Nevertheless, the Grizzlies managed to cover the spread for the sixth consecutive game, showcasing their resilience even in the absence of their stars.
The Grizzlies’ struggles at home have been particularly noteworthy this season, with a lackluster record of just five wins against 17 losses on their home court. It’s a far cry from the days when they boasted one of the NBA’s strongest home-court advantages. Despite their home woes, the Grizzlies showed signs of life in the first half against the Cavaliers, holding a lead.
However, the Grizzlies are currently in a rebuilding phase, waiting for the return of their superstar players. In contrast, the Cavaliers are seizing the opportunity to climb the Eastern Conference standings. The recent uncertainty surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers, with the potential absence of their MVP candidate, has opened the door for teams like Cleveland.
The Cavaliers were expected to compete for playoff positioning in the middle of the pack, possibly securing the 3rd, 4th, or 5th seed. However, with the Sixers facing the possibility of being without their star player for an extended period, Cleveland sees a chance to move up the standings and make a real impact in the Eastern Conference.
As the NBA season progresses, it’s essential to keep a close eye on the Grizzlies, who may not be winning consistently but have been a force to be reckoned with in terms of covering betting odds. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are looking to capitalize on the opportunities presented by their competitors’ setbacks and continue their upward trajectory in the Eastern Conference standings. This season promises to be an exciting one for both teams and basketball enthusiasts alike.