The Dallas Mavericks head to FedExForum to take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night in a Western Conference play-in elimination game. The winner becomes the No. 8 seed and will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. The loser’s season will be over.
Memphis finished 48-34 and holds home court. Dallas comes in at 39-43 after a strong win over Sacramento. The Grizzlies won three of four in the regular season against the Mavericks, including a 132-97 blowout just five days ago, though both teams rested starters in that game.
Grizzlies Preview – Waiting on Ja’s Status
Memphis could be without Ja Morant, who is dealing with an ankle injury. He played through pain in the loss to Golden State and still had 22 points. Morant has been the Grizzlies’ top scorer when healthy and his availability is a big factor for this game.
Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. will be asked to lead if Morant can’t go. Bane had 30 points and 6 rebounds in the loss to the Warriors. Jackson finished with 18 points and added 6 rebounds and 4 assists. The Grizzlies also got a huge night from Zach Edey, who had 14 points and 17 rebounds in just over 32 minutes.
Memphis ranks near the top of the league in rebounding and defense. They hold teams to 45.6% shooting, which is fourth-best in the league. They’re also third in blocks and seventh in steals, and they’ve hit the second-half moneyline in 50 of their last 78 games.
Mavericks Preview – Davis and Thompson Leading the Charge
Dallas is coming off a 120-106 win at Sacramento in its first play-in game. Anthony Davis led the team with 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Klay Thompson had 23 points and made five three-pointers, showing playoff form.
P.J. Washington added 17 points and 9 rebounds, while Naji Marshall gave solid minutes with 9 points and 4 boards. Dereck Lively II didn’t play many minutes but helped on defense with a block and 4 assists. The Mavericks are without Kyrie Irving and Olivier-Maxence Prosper for the rest of the season.
Dallas shoots 47.9% from the field, ranking 10th in the league. They are also 15th in three-point percentage. Their defense has struggled, giving up 116.9 points per game, which is 22nd in the league. They’ll need to shoot well and defend the paint against Memphis’s size and rebounding.
Betting Prediction
Memphis is a 6.5-point favorite at home. The Grizzlies won three of four in the regular season but come in with questions about Morant’s status. Dallas looked sharp in its last game, especially on offense, and will try to carry that over into this win-or-go-home matchup.
Memphis has the better record and stronger defense. But Dallas is experienced and could take advantage if Morant is limited or out. The game should be tight throughout. Expect Memphis to win, but Dallas to keep it close and cover the spread.
Pick: Dallas Mavericks +6.5 over Memphis Grizzlies
This should be a great game in the Western Conference. The winner gets the Thunder. Take the Mavericks to cover. Enjoy the game and best of luck!
