The two King James-es are both in action tonight. LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers take to the road for a showdown against Western powerhouse, the Memphis Grizzlies. In the meantime, James Harden and the Houston Rockets make their way to New Orleans to take on the injury-plagued Pelicans. Which two teams come up with a win tonight?
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Memphis Grizzlies (8:00 PM ET)
Line: Cleveland Cavaliers (-2) at Memphis Grizzlies (+2); total 194.0 – view these lines
Call the West the tougher conference all you want. The Cleveland Cavaliers are having none of that.
[sc:NBA240banner ]With LeBron James at the helm, the Cavs have won an NBA-best 13 of 14 matchups against Western Conference teams since December 21. James has scored 29.4 points per game in his last 13 against Western opponents. Kyrie Irving has also lent his shooting hand against west teams with 25.8 points per game and 51 percent shooting from beyond the arc in the past 13 meetings.
But the Grizzlies have arguably one of the best frontcourt tandems in the league capable of slowing Cleveland down. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol combined for 44 points and 15 rebounds against the Knicks on Monday, a 103-82 win. Gasol, in particular, has had success against the Cavs. He has totaled 45 points and 19 boards in his last two meetings against the Cavs.
Writer’s Prediction
James and Irving light up the scoreboard as Cleveland (-2) coasts to a win.
Houston Rockets vs. New Orleans Pelicans (8:00 PM ET)
Line: Houston Rockets at New Orleans Pelicans – view these lines
Injuries are hurting New Orleans’ run toward a postseason berth. The Pelicans are three-and-a-half games behind eighth place Oklahoma City, but have repeatedly missed out on stars Omer Asik, Tyreke Evans, Ryan Anderson and Jrue Holiday. But they’re benefiting greatly from Anthony Davis averaging 28.9 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.4 blocks in his last eight games.
With all its absentees, New Orleans may be in trouble if the Houston Rockets find a way to stifle Davis. Houston already did so in its previous trip to New Orleans, limiting Davis to seven points on 2-of-7 shooting and just eight rebounds. The Rockets can then do plenty of damage with the league’s second-leading scorer James Harden (27.2 points per game).
Houston is 29-5 when Harden scores at least 27 points, but he’s averaged just 16 in two games against New Orleans this season.
Writer’s Prediction
The Rockets take a big win on the road, while covering the spread.
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