Cleveland Cavaliers at Memphis Grizzlies 10/20/21 - NBA Picks & Predictions

The Cleveland Cavaliers open their NBA regular season on the road Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Cleveland was 22-50 last season and finished 13th in the Eastern Conference. During the offseason the Cavaliers addedt Lauri Markkanen, Ricky Rubio and drafted Evan Mobley No. 3 overall. Leaving the Cavaliers were Larry Nance Jr, Taurean Prince and Matthew Dellavedova.

Cleveland's starting lineup is expected to be Collin Sexton and Darius Garland in the backcourt with Isaac Okoro and Evan Mobley at the forward andJarrett Allen at center. Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio and Lauri Markkanen are expected to be the first three off the bench for the Cavaliers. Sexton was the leading scorer for Cleveland last season with an average of 24.3 points per game. Mobley is expected to be Cleveland’s top defensive player and combined with Allen will be two strong rim protectors for Cleveland.

Memphis was 38-34 last season and finished eighth in the Western Conference. During the off-season, Memphis added Jarrett Culver, Steven Adams, and drafted Ziaire Williams and Santi Aldama in the first round. Jonas Valanciunas and Grayson Allen are no longer with the Grizzlies. Memphis is expected to start leading scorer Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks in the backcourt, while Kyle Anderson and Jaren Jackson Jr will be the forwards and Adams the center.

The first three off the bench for Memphis are expected to be De'Anthony Melton, Desmond Bane and Brandon Clarke. Ja Morant was Memphis’ leading scorer last season and one of the most important players on the roster but the most important factor in the Grizzlies’ season this year will be keeping Jaren Jackson Jr healthy. Last season Jackson played only 11 games but during his short career has averaged 20.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.