Wednesday, December 14th, 2016
WHEN: 8:00 PM EST
WHERE: @FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee
WATCH: @FOXSportsOH, @FOXSportsSE
LISTEN: @WMMS 100.7 FM, @wtam1100, La Mega 87.7FM
– Cavaliers (18-5, 1st in Central): After their impressive 103-86 win over the Memphis Grizzlies last night inside Quicken Loans Arena, led by Kevin Love’s 29 points and 13 rebounds, the Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves riding a five-game winning streak.
Tonight’s bout in Memphis marks the second game of a back-to-back set between the Cavs and Grizzlies.
After last night’s win, Cavs Head Coach Tyronn Lue announced his decision to rest LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Kyrie Irving for tonight’s game. Cleveland’s Big Three did not travel with the team.
James spoke to members of the media with regards to Coach Lue’s decision. His statement was quoted in this recent ESPN article.
“My coach wants me to rest, I don’t buck my coach. That’s what he wants and that’s what we’re gonna do. I’ve been in this league 14 years. I shouldn’t have to explain me sitting out a game or not playing games.
“I’ve played in every arena, including Seattle that’s no longer here. It’s not like it’s my first year. I’ve got 14 years. I’ve paid my dues and more than a lot of guys in this league. But I’ll ride with my coach.”
ESPN also reports that Coach Lue will likely start DeAndre Liggins, Iman Shumpert, J.R. Smith, James Jones, and Tristan Thompson in tonight’s game.
* Milestone alert *
LeBron James (27,382) needs 28 points to pass Moses Malone (27,409) for the eighth position on the NBA’s all-time leading scorers list.
* Cavaliers projected starting lineup (subject to change) *
(PF) DeAndre Liggins (6′-6″, 209 lbs)
(SG) J.R. Smith (6′-6″, 222 lbs)
(SF) Iman Shumpert (6′-5″, 220 lbs)
(PF) James Jones (6′-8″, 218 lbs)
(PF) Tristan Thompson (6′-10″, 238 lbs)
* Cavaliers injury report *
– (PG) Kyrie Irving (rest): Out
– (SF) LeBron James (rest): Out
– (PF) Kevin Love (rest): Out
– Grizzlies (17-9, 3rd in Southwest): The Grizzlies will be looking to get back into the win column after their disappointing loss to the Cavs last night.
Marc Gasol, Grizzlies center and reigning Western Conference Player of the Week award winner, will return to action tonight after being rested in last night’s game.
Grizzlies Head Coach David Fizdale commented on his decision to rest Gasol last night, saying:
“This was kind of marked on the calendar for a while. We knew this stretch was coming with this back-to-back and we were going to have to make some decisions.”
* Grizzlies projected starting lineup (subject to change) *
(PG) Andrew Harrison (6′-6″, 213 lbs)
(SG) Troy Williams (6′-7″, 215 lbs)
(SF) Tony Allen (6′-4″, 213 lbs)
(SF) JaMychal Green (6′-9″, 227 lbs)
(C) Marc Gasol (7′-1″, 255 lbs)
* Grizzlies injury report *
– (PG) Mike Conley (back): Out
– (SF) Chandler Parsons (knee): Out
– (SF) James Ennis (calf): Out
– (PF) Deyonta Davis (left foot): Questionable
– (C) Brandan Wright (ankle): Out
* All stats and information via www.basketball-reference.com, www.rotoworld.com, www.nba.com, www.espn.com, Elias Sports Bureau, and The Associated Press *
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