Cleveland @ Memphis preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 20, 2019 ) Memphis 107, Cleveland 114

The Memphis Grizzlies are a hot team and they look to extend their season-long winning streak to seven when they host the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. Memphis posted four double-digit victories during the stretch, including an impressive 121-110 triumph over the visiting Houston Rockets on Tuesday.

The Grizzlies have become a fast-paced team with rookie point guard Ja Morant running the show and are averaging 126.2 points during a winning streak that is earning them attention around the league. "Every game is a statement game at this point," said power forward Jaren Jackson Jr., "because you are playing for seeding, playing for the playoffs. Everybody is trying to work towards that, but definitely, when you're on a winning streak, it gives you a bit more energy." The Cavaliers have dropped seven of their last nine games and were routed twice in Los Angeles - 29 points by the Lakers and 25 by the Clippers. Point guard Collin Sexton scored 25 points in Tuesday's 128-103 loss to the Clippers and has at least 20 in 11 of the past 17 games.

TIME: 8 p.m. ET. TV: FS Ohio, FS Southeast

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (12-29): Forward Cedi Osman averaged 18 points in the two games at Los Angeles and shot well by making 9-of-14 3-point attempts at the Staples Center. ”I’m just feeling really comfortable right now," Osman told reporters. "I am trusting my shot because I know that I have worked really hard to fix my 3-point shot. I think it is just paying off right now. I am going to keep being confident and believing in my shot." Rookie guard Darius Garland recorded 14 points and a season-high 10 assists against the Clippers for his first career double-double.

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (19-22): Morant was superb in the win over Houston as he scored 26 points on 10-of-11 shooting to go with eight assists and five rebounds. "He just goes out there and plays his game," Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins told reporters of Morant. "That's been our mentality. Let him go unleash his talents, his competitiveness, his unselfishness. He gets to have fun. You see how he engages the crowd and his teammates engage the crowd. It's fun to watch from the sidelines, to see what this team is doing for the city and for this fan base." Shooting guard Dillon Brooks tallied 24 points and scored 20 or more points in five of the past eight contests.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Cavaliers won four of the past five meetings, including a 114-107 home win on Dec. 20.

2. Memphis SF Jae Crowder (hip) hopes to return after sitting out against Houston.

3. Cleveland PF Larry Nance Jr. (knee) was scoreless in 19 minutes against the Clippers after missing the previous six games.

PREDICTION: Grizzlies 113, Cavaliers 103