The Memphis Grizzlies visit the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night at the American Airlines Center. Memphis (38-24) has hit a rough stretch, losing four straight games and seven of their last nine. Dallas (32-31) has also struggled, dropping five of their last six games as they deal with major injuries. Both teams are desperate to turn things around with the playoffs approaching.
These teams have already met twice this season, with Memphis winning 119-104 at home in their last matchup on January 6. Dallas won the first meeting in early December, 121-116, behind a strong performance from Kyrie Irving. However, with Irving out for the season and Anthony Davis still sidelined, the Mavericks will have to rely on a depleted roster to keep up with the Grizzlies.
Memphis Preview – Struggling to Find Consistency
The Grizzlies were once near the top of the Western Conference, but injuries and inconsistency have slowed them down. Their most recent loss came against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where they were outscored 72-48 in the second half. Memphis struggled from deep, shooting just 9-for-34 from three-point range in that game. A bounce-back effort will be needed against a shorthanded Mavericks team.
Ja Morant remains the centerpiece of Memphis’ offense, averaging 24.7 points and 6.8 assists per game. He played through a shoulder injury against the Thunder but admitted after the game that he likely should have sat out. His health will be a major factor in determining how competitive the Grizzlies can be. Without him at full strength, Memphis lacks offensive firepower.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is sidelined with an ankle sprain, leaving a major gap in the frontcourt. Desmond Bane has tried to step up, averaging 21.3 points per game, but the team has struggled with efficiency. Memphis still has one of the best offenses in the league, ranking first in field goal attempts per game and third in assists. However, they need to improve their perimeter shooting if they want to get back on track.
Dallas Preview – Dealing With Major Injuries
The Mavericks’ season took a turn for the worse when Luka Doncic was traded to the Lakers in early February. The trade brought Anthony Davis to Dallas, but he has played just one game due to a groin injury. To make matters worse, Kyrie Irving tore his ACL this week, ending his season. Dallas is now missing its two best players and has struggled to replace their production.
With Irving out, Klay Thompson has taken on a bigger scoring role, attempting 27 shots in the Mavericks’ recent loss to Milwaukee. He finished with 28 points, but the team fell 137-107. Thompson is averaging 22.1 points per game since arriving in Dallas, but he will need help if the Mavericks are going to stay competitive.
Dallas is also without Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and Caleb Martin, leaving them thin in the frontcourt. The team has been forced to rely on veteran Dwight Powell and second-year guard Max Christie for extended minutes. The Mavericks have only eight healthy players, making depth a major concern against an up-tempo Memphis team.
Betting Prediction
Memphis enters this game as a 10.5-point favorite, despite their recent struggles. The Grizzlies are the healthier team and have a clear advantage in the backcourt with Morant and Bane. If Morant plays at a high level, Memphis should be able to dictate the pace and wear down the short-handed Mavericks. However, if Morant is limited by his shoulder injury, this game could be closer than expected.
Dallas has been hit hard by injuries, and without Irving or Davis, they lack the offensive firepower to keep up. While Thompson and Spencer Dinwiddie can provide scoring, they don’t have enough depth to handle Memphis’ attack. Expect the Grizzlies to take advantage of Dallas’ thin roster and cover the spread.
Pick: Memphis Grizzlies -10.5 over Dallas Mavericks
