Memphis Grizzlies vs Dallas Mavericks Game Preview

WHO: Memphis Grizzlies (38-24, 27-5 home) Dallas Mavericks (34-33, 12-20 away)

WHEN: 7:00 PM CT

WHERE: FedExForum — Memphis, TN

HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN: Bally Sports Southeast/92.9 FM ESPN Memphis

INJURY REPORT:

MEMPHIS: Steven Adams (Out – RT Knee PCL Sprain), Brandon Clarke (Out – LT Achilles tear), Ja Morant (Out – Not With Team), Vince Williams Jr. (Out, Shoulder)

DALLAS: Luka Doncic (Out – Thigh), Kyrie Irving (Questionable), Reggie Bullock (Probable – RT Quad), Javale McGhee (Questionable), McKinley Wright IV (Questionable)

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS:

MEMPHIS: Tyus Jones, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, Jaren Jackson Jr., Xavier Tillman

DALLAS: Jaden Hardy, Justin Holiday, Tim Hardaway Jr., Josh Green, Dwight Powell

As the Memphis Grizzlies look to build momentum from their 21-point win against the Warriors on Thursday, they welcome in the Dallas Mavericks for their second matchup of the season. The Grizzlies haven’t played the Mavericks since the 3rd game of the season, where they lost by 41 without Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks.

Injuries and missing superstars will be a storyline for today’s game as Ja Morant, Luka Doncic, and Kyrie Irving are all not expected to play. Despite missing some star power, it should still be an interesting matchup. 

Protecting Home Court

The Grizzlies have been one of the best home teams in the NBA with a 27-5 record at FedExForum, they will need to keep that up over the last stretch of the season. They are better at shooting and defending the three, rebounding, and forcing turnover at home when compared to the road. All of these will be important again as they Grizzlies look to build momentum near the end of the season.

Playing against a Western Conference team missing two superstars at home is an opportunity that cannot be missed for the Grizzlies. After holding the two seed all season, the Grizzlies currently sit third with 9 of their last 17 at FedEx Forum. Winning now could mean more home games in the postseason, so it’s still a huge matchup for the Western Conference.

Can Tyus Jones Continue his Great Play

As a starter this season, Tyus Jones has been incredible. So far he has averaged 19 points and 8 assists in his 12 starts this season. In the last three games, Jones has been incredible in Morant’s absence. He has controlled the offense very well, limiting turnovers and facilitating at a high level. 

Over the last week, Jones has been putting up 21 points a game and is shooting over 47% from three. He has also only turned the ball over three times since taking over as the starter. Tyus is making a clear case for best backup in the NBA and should definitely be considered for a starting role elsewhere when his contract is up in Memphis.

Don’t let your guard down

It can be easy to let up when you see a struggling Mavericks team possibly without their two best players, but they cannot let that affect their mindset. Every game matter down the stretch and there are still capable players on the other side. 

Watch for Tim Hardaway Jr., who seems to always play well against the Grizzlies, to take on a larger role. Also young Jaden Hardy will get a chance to show his potential. We have seen the Grizzlies surprise teams the past few years without their best players, let’s see if they can avoid a taste of their own medicine.

The injuries on the other side and the home-court advantage should give the Grizzlies a slight edge. Obviously the Grizzlies are missing players too, but they have become account ones to playing together while the Mavs will play their first without both Luka and Kyrie in a month. For a prediction, the Grizzlies pull away late to get a 130-120 win.