Thursday is a light three-game night. The Cavaliers visit Atlanta on NBA TV, the Kings continue their road trip in New Orleans, and the Trail Blazers host Ja Morant’s former team, the Memphis Grizzlies.
🏀 Game of the Day: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks
8:00 PM ET | NBA TV | Atlanta News First | DAZN CLE
Both teams are on the second night of a back-to-back. Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and Evan Mobley hosted Washington on Wednesday, while Atlanta faced Giannis and the Heat at home.
The Hawks are building around rookie Kingston Flemings, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Lu Dort. Cleveland’s experience in the backcourt and size inside give the Cavs the edge on paper, but Atlanta’s home crowd can make this a close game.
Prediction: Cleveland’s veterans handle the fatigue better and win on the road.
Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans
8:00 PM ET | GCSEN | NBC Sports California
Sacramento visits Smoothie King Center after its game in San Antonio. Trey Murphy III and the Pelicans play the second night of a back-to-back after hosting Denver.
Prediction: The rested Kings win on the road.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers
10:00 PM ET | BlazerVision | DAZN MEM
Ja Morant faces the Grizzlies for the first time since his summer trade to Portland. Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday join him at Moda Center against Cameron Boozer and the young Memphis team.
Prediction: Morant gets the last laugh against his old team.
Game Context Overview
Thursday is short but not without storylines. Cavs-Hawks is the national game on NBA TV, and Morant’s first meeting with Memphis gives the late game in Portland extra emotion.