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Fresh off huge win, Cavaliers take on lowly Grizzlies

Jan 13, 2009 - 2:44 PM Cleveland (29-6) at Memphis (11-26) 8:00 p.m. EST

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Ticker) -- The Cleveland Cavaliers needed a break. After establishing themselves as arguably the league's marquee team with a decisive win over the Boston Celtics last week, the Cavs got a few days off to catch their breath.

After a three-day break, they get back to the hardwood on Tuesday night, hitting the road for a meeting with the struggling Memphis Grizzlies.

The Cavs have taken over as the top-ranked team in the Eastern Conference, having lost just six games all season. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, have dropped three in a row and 11 of 13 after a promising stretch in early December. Rookie O.J. Mayo (19.7 points per game) and Rudy Gay (19.1) continue to carry the offensive load, but the team has gotten only sporadic contributions elsewhere.

Cleveland has won its last five meetings with Memphis - including a 132-124, overtime victory on January 15, 2008, as LeBron James exploded for 51 points, eight rebounds and nine assists.

In 10 career meetings against the Grizzlies, James has averaged 27.7 points, 6.3 boards and 7.6 assists while shooting 53.5 percent from the floor - his highest against any opponent.