Feb 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward De’Andre Hunter (12) reacts during the second half against the New York Knicks at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images The Cavaliers own the best record in the NBA, and Memphis has the second-best mark in the West. It would be refreshing. Plus, nobody is clamoring for a Boston Celtics vs. a Dallas Mavericks rematch without Luka Doncic. Repeat—no one.
Jordan Binnington could return to the net for the St. Louis Blues on Sunday, so does the American crowd give a hero’s salute to one of Canada’s heroes in the 4 Nations Face-Off? We’re guessing they will settle for a top-flight performance against the Colorado Avalanche.
The MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy open their season against expansion San Diego FC, and there’s literally no buzz. OK, so soccer isn’t football, but does the champs’ first match have to be as quiet as curling or jai alai?
Memphis Grizzlies at Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland has won six straight games and 10 of its last 11, coming off an eye-opening 142-105 rout of the visiting New York Knicks. The 37-point win is only the Cavaliers’ second-biggest beatdown of the month—they lambasted the Mavericks 144-101 on Feb. 2.
Cleveland is 26-4 at home, so who needs LeBron James anyway? Not this edition of the Cavs. There is nobody playing hero ball on this team. Star guard Donovan Mitchell is averaging 24 points per game—his lowest since 2019-20 with the Utah Jazz—but remains an eager passer.
Speaking of passers, Ja Morant of the Grizzlies is liable to toss a dazzling assist at any moment but isn’t always an efficient shooter. Morant is 1-for-15 from 3-point range over his past three appearances. He did score 23 points in Friday’s 105-104 win over the Orlando Magic.
All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. blocked a shot to seal that victory over Orlando. Jackson, Morant and Desmond Bane are a winning trio, and they should be able to cover the spread in this matchup.
Grizzlies +5.5, -115 (DraftKings)
