For anyone dealing a Super Bowl hangover, have no fear; the NBA is here. Monday’s marquee games include a big Eastern Conference tilt between the conference-leading Cleveland Cavs and the red-hot Washington Wizards. And later in the night, the San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies collide for what should be another competitive showdown.
The Cavs are coming off a 111-104 win over the New York Knicks, their fourth win in their last five games. LeBron James had 32 points and 10 assists as he played point guard with Kyrie Irving out. Kevin Love also came up big with 23 points and 16 rebounds in his return from a back injury. Irving is set to return to the lineup tonight, though, to face off with John Wall and the Washington Wizards.
The Wiz are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, winning seven games in a row and are 10-1 in their last 11 games. Six of their seven consecutive wins have been by double-digits, including their 105-91 win against the New Orleans Pelicans. Wall led the way with 24 points and 13 assists, his fourth-double-double in a row. With Wall in command, the Wizards have won 17 home games in a row, and have gone an incredible 15-2 against the spread.
Writer’s Prediction: The Wizards (-1) send a message as they defeat the Cavs at home, 108-102.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies (9:30 PM ET)
The Spurs have recovered from a rare losing streak by winning three games in a row – all at home and all by double-digits. Their average margin of victory against the Thunder, Sixers, and Nuggets was 16 points. They now go back on the road in Memphis, where they are 9-1 (7-3 ATS) in their last 10 visits.
As for the Grizzlies, they managed to get the win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, 107-99, despite the absence of Marc Gasol, Tony Allen, and Chandler Parsons, who were all rested. The Grizz are now 4-1 in their last five games. Gasol, who should be back in the lineup after his day-off, has been the main man for the Grizzlies, averaging 27.7 points in his last 10 games.
Writer’s Prediction: The Spurs (-2.5) score another win in Memphis, 102-94.
