The Dallas Mavericks (13-8) face the Memphis Grizzlies (14-7) on Tuesday night in their first matchup of the season. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM CT, available on channel 29 or streamed via MavsTV. Both teams enter hot — Dallas boasts a four-game win streak, winning eight of their last nine, while Memphis rides a six-game streak and is 11-4 since November began.
This game concludes Group Play in the NBA Cup tournament, with Dallas in second place in West Group C and a chance to advance with a win. Memphis, however, has already been eliminated.
Injuries are a theme this season. Dallas’ lineup remains fluid, with Naji Marshall (illness) out, Klay Thompson (questionable, plantar fascia), and Dante Exum still recovering from wrist surgery. Dereck Lively II is questionable after missing the last game due to a knee hyperextension.
On Memphis’ side, rookie center Zach Edey and Ja Morant are sidelined with injuries, but both teams have maintained strong performances.
Key player Quentin Grimes has stepped up for Dallas, averaging 24.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 54% three-point shooting over his last three games as a starter. His defensive contributions have also been significant.
Statistically, these teams are evenly matched. Both are tied for fourth in Offensive Rating and rank in the top 10 for Defensive Rating, with Memphis playing at a slightly faster pace. Memphis aims to exploit this, especially after a four-game homestand. Dallas, dealing with a back-to-back, could face fatigue. Expect Memphis to push the tempo while Dallas fights to maintain its streak.
