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    Cavaliers vs. Grizzlies Wednesday NBA injury report, odds: Two franchise records on line for streaking Memphis, Donovan Mitchell doubtful for Cleveland

    Memphis looks for an 11th straight victory on Wednesday when it hosts Cleveland.
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    Without question, the best matchup in the NBA on Wednesday is a potential Finals preview between the Cavaliers and Grizzlies in Memphis. The game won't be nationally televised because the networks always prefer the "popular" franchises. The Grizzlies are on a 10-game winning streak and two franchise records are on the line. They are 7-point favorites at Caesars Sportsbook because the Cavaliers are expected to be without All-Star Donovan Mitchell.

    Led by Ja Morant, Memphis won 10 consecutive games to tie Denver for the best record in the Western Conference -- at least until the Nuggets won Tuesday to move a half game up. It's only the second double-digit winning streak within a single season in franchise history. The team record is 11 in a row, set from Dec. 26, 2021-Jan. 13, 2022.

    The Grizzlies' offense has been unconscious overall during this stretch, particularly during the past three games. The team scored 135 points scored last Wednesday vs. San Antonio, 130 on Saturday at Indiana and 136 on Monday vs. Phoenix. That three-game streak of at least 130 points ties a record set last season from Feb. 5-10, 2022. Before the 2021-22 campaign, Memphis had never scored at least 130 in back-to-back games. It has reached 130 eight times this season after doing so 11 times during the last campaign. Caesars lists the Grizzlies at over-under 117.5 points tonight.

    Morant had the dunk of the year against the Pacers on Saturday. He's averaging career highs in points (27.5) and assists (7.9) and has scored at least 23 in seven straight games. How is he still a ridiculous +3000 longer shot to win MVP at Caesars?

    That high-powered Memphis offense will face a tough test on Wednesday. Cleveland is second in the NBA in defensive rating (109.2), behind only the Grizzlies (108.9). The Cavs are allowing the fewest points per game (106.9) and have held their opponents under 100 points in an NBA-best 14 games. They're 13-1 when they pull that off.

    Memphis likely will catch a break tonight as Mitchell, Cleveland's leading scorer, left Monday's win over New Orleans with a groin injury. He missed practice Tuesday and is doubtful. Mitchell is ninth in the league in scoring at 28.4 points per game, a career high. He's third in the NBA in 3-pointers made (149), is shooting a career-high 39.5% and is one of three players with at least 140 3-pointers on a minimum of 39% shooting from downtown, along with Buddy Hield and Stephen Curry.

    It's the first meeting of the season between the teams. The Grizzlies have won the past three.

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    Matt SeveranceSeverance Pays

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