Cavaliers Cruise Past Shorthanded Grizzlies

Cleveland takes care of business against struggling Memphis squad

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:43pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game in a fractured, multi-perspective manner, with sharp geometric shapes and planes representing the action on the court.A fragmented, cubist-inspired illustration captures the contrasting fortunes of the playoff-bound Cavaliers and the struggling Grizzlies.Salt Lake City Today

The 49-29 Cleveland Cavaliers will visit the 25-53 Memphis Grizzlies tonight at 8 PM EST. The Cavaliers are 15.5-point favorites and the total for the game is set at 234.5 points. Cleveland is looking to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race, while Memphis is in the midst of a dismal season marked by injuries and roster turnover.

Why it matters

This game represents a stark contrast in team trajectories, as the Cavaliers are jockeying for playoff position in the East while the Grizzlies are simply trying to finish out a lost season. Cleveland's star-studded roster and playoff aspirations make them heavy favorites against the depleted Grizzlies.

The details

The Cavaliers are led by Donovan Mitchell and newly acquired point guard James Harden, who have helped Cleveland boast the 6th best offense in the NBA this season. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, are in full rebuilding mode, with Cedric Coward and Cam Spencer as their current statistical leaders. Memphis has struggled mightily on both ends of the floor, ranking 25th in opponent assists and 28th in opponent rebounds.

  • The game tips off at 8 PM EST on Monday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Donovan Mitchell

All-Star guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

James Harden

Veteran point guard who was recently traded to the Cavaliers.

Cedric Coward

Leading scorer and rebounder for the struggling Memphis Grizzlies.

Cam Spencer

Assists leader for the Grizzlies as they navigate a difficult season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We know we have to take care of business against a team like Memphis. They're struggling, but we can't overlook them if we want to solidify our playoff position.”

— Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers Guard

What’s next

The Cavaliers will look to continue their push for a higher playoff seed, while the Grizzlies will hope to spoil Cleveland's plans and end their recent skid.

The takeaway

This game highlights the stark contrast between a Cavaliers team fighting for playoff positioning and a Grizzlies squad mired in a lost season. Cleveland's superior talent and playoff aspirations make them heavy favorites, but Memphis will look to play spoiler and pull off the upset.