Rating: 4 units - Regular Play
Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers FIRST HALF (-2.5) (Play up to -3)

Cleveland's defense seems to be a bit improved from their disaster earlier in the season. Their ball pressure on the ball handler is now better, as IT2 is gone and Hill is now with the team, which is a huge improvement on defense. This should put problems on Memphis' offense led by Tyreke Evans. Cleveland's defensive strategy is to pack the paint and try to rotate as fast as possible on the weakside, something they aren't being able to do well. 

Cleveland got crushed in the paint in Orlando with 70 points in the paint allowed on a second half meltdown, but since they made the trades, they only allowed 34, 34, 36 and 44 points in the paint on their last four games. The Cavs lost at home against Washington last night because the Wizards explored their weakside defense with very good ball movement and good shooters, with Morris at Center and Oubre playing with the starters. By the way, when Gortat (a real Center) was on the court, the Wizards got outscored by 13 points!

This is a tactic that Memphis' offense won't be able to do tonight. They lack shooting ability on the frontcourt like the Wizards have and in fact, Memphis' perimeter shooting woes continue. So, even though they are a limited unit, this is a matchup where Cleveland's defense should be able to handle itself well. On the other hand, Memphis' defense is #27 in the league on allowing wide open treys and right before the break, Memphis faced Oklahoma City twice and the Thunder pounded them with 16-37 and 17-36 3pts! So, I believe Cleveland's offense should be able to have a good night in here. As this is a back to back spot for Cleveland, I prefer to take the Cavaliers in here in a First Half play!