This Sunday presents an exciting eight-game NBA slate highlighted by the Milwaukee Bucks facing off against the Cleveland Cavaliers at 8 p.m. ET. The Bucks' superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the charge, currently averaging 30.9 points per game. Despite his impressive form, his point total prop is set at 28.5 against the Cavs. Bettors might find a lucrative +240 payout on DraftKings for Giannis to hit at least 35 points, a feat he achieved in his last matchup.

Alongside Giannis, other stars like Ja Morant, Anthony Edwards, and Cade Cunningham are also in action. Cunningham, boasting 29 or more points in his last three outings, has his over/under set at 27.5. The SportsLine Projection Model, having profited significantly for players over the past years, offers projections for popular player props. Morant’s total points+assists prop is under 33.5, reflecting recent struggles in efficiency. Meanwhile, rookie Kyle Filipowski is projected to fall short of 9.5 rebounds, while Evan Mobley is expected to undershoot his 31.5 combined points, rebounds, and assists line against a competitive Bucks squad.

Ja Morant is facing a challenging season, marked as his worst since his sophomore year, primarily due to injuries and evolving defensive strategies from opposing teams. As Morant's style of play begins to catch up with him, there are growing concerns about his performance, particularly his three-point shooting, which has not improved. Former NBA star Lou Williams suggests that adapting his game by incorporating mid-range and three-point shots could be essential for Morant's success moving forward.

The mental toll is evident as Morant's demeanor during postgame interviews has shifted, reflecting the challenges he is navigating. In the midst of these struggles, it's clear to both fans and analysts that Morant must make adjustments to reclaim his elite status in the league.

Ja Morant is entering a pivotal phase in his career, facing challenges amidst a dip in performance. Once a leading figure for the Memphis Grizzlies and a top young talent in the NBA, Morant's average has fallen to 20.9 points per game in 2025, marking his lowest since 2021. This decline has drawn analysis from former NBA player Lou Williams, who suggests that Morant must adapt his game to counter evolving defensive strategies that limit his driving lanes.

Williams emphasizes the importance of becoming a credible threat from beyond the arc, similar to how Andre Iguodala evolved his style. He notes that to maintain his attacking style, Morant must develop his mid-range and three-point shooting. This adjustment not only allows for greater scoring opportunities but also creates more space for drives to the basket. As Morant matures as a player and faces tougher defenses that have learned to guard him differently, this evolution is crucial to his success.

Ja Morant's triumphant return to the court marked a pivotal moment for the Memphis Grizzlies as he scored 31 points, leading them to a 122-111 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. This win not only broke a four-game losing streak but also repositioned Memphis in the competitive landscape of the Western Conference. Morant's performance came on the heels of a shoulder injury, showcasing his determination despite shooting struggles from beyond the arc.

Desmond Bane contributed significantly with 27 points and 16 rebounds, while rookie Zach Edey made an impact with his rebounding efforts. The Grizzlies, now 38-24, are fighting for playoff positioning and face a series of favorable matchups against struggling teams like the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz. In contrast, the Mavericks' playoff hopes dimmed further with the loss, complicating their quest for a play-in spot.

The Dallas Mavericks faced a crushing defeat against the Memphis Grizzlies, losing 122-111 and marking their fourth consecutive loss. The absence of star player Kyrie Irving, due to a season-ending injury, continued to haunt the Mavericks. Despite a valiant effort from players like Naji Marshall and Brandon Williams, who had career nights, the Mavericks struggled to contain Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, especially in the fourth quarter where the Grizzlies went on an 18-4 run.

Jason Kidd's squad did welcome Caleb Martin back, but his limited minutes hindered his impact on the game. As the Mavericks approach a key matchup against the Phoenix Suns, they find themselves precariously close to dropping further in the Western Conference standings with critical injuries piling up. The team will need to find scoring elsewhere if they hope to recover from this slump.