The big NBA game tonight features the top team in the Eastern Conference visiting the No. 2 team in the Western Conference. The Cavaliers have won 15 straight games coming into their matchup with the Grizzlies, who are 24-10 at home this season. In what could be an NBA Finals preview, let’s take a look at my top three Cavaliers vs. Grizzlies prop bets from the player prop market on DraftKings Sportsbook.
In the big picture, the Cavaliers are two-point road favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook with the total set at O/U 245.5 points. The big injury news is that the Cavs will be without Donovan Mitchell (groin), while De’Andre Hunter (illness) is probable after missing last game. On the other side, Jaren Jackson Jr. (ankle) is questionable after missing the last five games. Santi Aldama (calf) is out for the Grizzlies, but the rest of their rotation is mostly healthy.
Best Cavaliers vs. Grizzlies Player Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
De’Andre Hunter Over 19.5 Points + Rebounds (-110)
Hunter played just 19 minutes on Sunday against the Bucks and then missed Tuesday’s game with an illness, which may have been part of his struggles Sunday as well. Before that, he was fitting in nicely with the Cavs and had put together big games off the bench and in the starting lineup.
Since coming over in a trade in early February, he averaged 14.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in 24.9 minutes per game. Before Sunday’s limited minutes, he went over this line of points and rebounds in six of his previous 10 games. In the one game that he played without Donovan Mitchell, he racked up 32 points and seven rebounds in 31.5 minutes, going well over this number.
The Grizzlies have allowed more fantasy points to small forwards than any other team in the NBA, so Hunter should be able to excel in this up-tempo contest with plenty of chances to score or grab rebounds.
The matchup and the absence of Mitchell should open up plenty of chances for him to have a big game in his return. Especially if he’s in the starting lineup, Hunter should be able to comfortably go over this stat line if he’s healthy, making this one of my top prop bets.
Ja Morant 8+ Assists (+105)
Morant came in just under this line on Wednesday against the Jazz but only had to play 31 minutes. He played over 34 minutes in the previous three games and went over this line twice while averaging 8.7 assists per contest. On the season, he is averaging 7.5 assists per game.
Morant has at least eight assists in each of his last three games against Cleveland, so I’m pushing to this alternate total to get plus money. A “safer” play is his regular over 7.5 assists, which comes at -140 odds.
I expect the Grizz to have to go all out in this competitive contest, which means big minutes and production from Ja.
Jarrett Allen To Record a Double-Double (-135)
Allen is averaging 13.6 points and 10.3 rebounds per game on the season but has averaged 16.0 points and 13.2 rebounds in the five games he has played without Donovan Mitchell this season.
He had 23 points and 13 boards on Tuesday without Spida and has posted four double-doubles in his last six overall. Allen has also posted three double-doubles in his last four matchups against Memphis and in 55.4% of his games overall this season.
Especially with Jackson uncertain, the Cavs’ big men should dominate down low. Both Allen and Evan Mobley’s prop lines have all been adjusted up as a result, but getting Allen to post a double-double at just -135 still seems like a great place to get value.
