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Wednesday, May 22, 2013
 
Cleveland Cavaliers

Pregame: Cavs (3-10) at Grizzlies (9-2)

By Jason Lloyd Published: November 26, 2012
Zach Randolph dunk
Zach Randolph has been a big reason why the Grizzlies own the league's best record. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)
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Time: 8 p.m.; Place: FedEx Forum; TV/Radio: FS Ohio/WTAM, WLEC, WAKR

Injury report: Cavs: Kyrie Irving (wrist) out; Clippers: Tony Wroten (personal) out.

 

Officials: Mike Callahan, Dick Bavetta, Sir Allen Conner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cavs probables

Name Ht, Wt Pts Rebs Asts
PG Jeremy Pargo 6-2, 219 11.2 1.3 2.7
SG Dion Waiters 6-4, 221 14.9 2.3 2.5
SF Alonzo Gee 6-6, 219 12.0 3.7 2.2
PF Tristan Thompson 6-9, 227 9.2 8.2 1.5
C Anderson Varejao 6-11, 260 14.0 14.1 3.3

 

 

Grizzlies probables

Name Ht, Wt Pts Rebs Asts
PG Mike Conley 6-1, 185 14.8 2.9 6.5
SG Tony Allen 6-4, 213 7.9 3.4 0.6
SF Rudy Gay 6-8, 230 20.1 5.7 2.5
PF Zach Randolph 6-9, 255 16.7 13.6 1.1
C Marc Gasol 7-1, 265 15.0 7.0 4.9

 

Notebook

* The Memphis Grizzlies have the best record in the NBA, but Cavs coach Byron Scott said it's too early to declare them the best team in the league. "If they're not the best team," he said, "they're in the top three or four."
 
* This is the first time Jeremy Pargo will face the Grizzlies since they dealt him to the Cavs over the summer. He started a handful of games for the Grizzlies last season, but became expendable when they signed Jerryd Bayless to back up Mike Conley. 
 
* Pargo has played well in his three starts, averaging 19.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 4 assists. But he says he isn't viewing tonight as his chance to show the Grizzlies what they lost. "I just want to come out and try and stay on an even keel," he said.
 
* Pargo got testy when I asked him which situation is better for him: being a guy who rarely got off the bench for the best team in the league or coming to a three-win team and having the opportunity to prove he could play. For some reason, he didn't like the question very much and didn't think it was fair. He did say earlier, however, that what he remembered most about his time in Memphis was "sitting on the bench" and that "after sitting for a while, I needed another opportunity to prove that I could play at this level."
 
* He certainly is doing that. In his three starts since replacing Kyrie Irving, Pargo has set a career high in points and tied his career high in assists. Scott said he wasn't concerned about Pargo getting wrapped up in the idea of playing against his former team, because if he does, Scott will bench him. Easy enough.
 
* Tonight's game features the league's two best rebounders in Varejao (14.1) and Zach Randolph (13.6). Thanks to Varejao, the Cavs have tied or grabbed more offensive rebounds than the opponent in 12 of 13 games. Randolph's presence could make that tricky tonight.
 
* The Grizzlies have built the best record based on their frontcourt, particularly Marc Gasol and Randolph. Scott particularly likes Gasol's passing ability and likened him to Varejao. Gasol averages more assists (4.9) than Varejao (3.3). "Matching their physicality is the most important thing," Scott said. "These two guys, they bang. Their front court might be the most physical front court in basketball right now. Neither one of those guys can jump over the phone book, but both of those guys hit you, they get great position on both ends of the floor and they're tough. If you dont come in with that mindset from the start, then you're going to get beat."
 
 

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