Cavaliers Aim to Turn Season Around Against Grizzlies

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Cavaliers will face the Memphis Grizzlies at Rocket Arena on Saturday at 5 p.m. ET, hoping to bounce back from a disappointing loss earlier this week. The Cavaliers, currently 8-5, have struggled recently, marking their second defeat against the Toronto Raptors this season.

In their last game, Donovan Mitchell scored 30 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Raptors, who dominated the matchup. As the team gears up to face the Grizzlies (4-9), they need more contributions from their roster beyond Mitchell.

The Grizzlies come into the game grappling with significant challenges, including a slew of injuries. Star player Ja Morant has been under scrutiny following comments about the team’s coaching. They face a daunting situation with nearly ten players dealing with injuries, complicating their ability to find rhythm on the court.

Jaren Jackson Jr., despite his past accolades as a Defensive Player of the Year, is one of the key figures for Memphis, averaging 17 points per game. However, the Grizzlies have lost seven of their last eight games and are in a precarious position as they search for a win.

The Cavaliers are missing several rotation players, including Darius Garland and Max Strus, due to injuries, placing additional pressure on their remaining stars. Coach Kenny Atkinson is challenged to maximize his team’s depth amid these setbacks.

The matchup also presents an intriguing battle between two former Defensive Players of the Year: Jackson and Cleveland’s Evan Mobley. Jarrett Allen, who has been performing well lately, will need to step up against Memphis’ size, particularly if Zach Edey plays.

Despite the pressure of needing a win, Mitchell remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory this season. He noted that it won’t be enough for him to carry the entire weight for the Cavaliers, calling for increased efforts from his teammates to secure victories.

The Cavaliers look to reclaim their footing against a struggling opponent as they continue their push for playoff contention. The game will broadcast on NBA TV and FanDuel Sports Network Ohio.