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A Southwest Division matchup is set for Tuesday night when the Memphis Grizzlies (13-23, 15-21 ATS) travel to take on the Dallas Mavericks (22-15, 21-16 ATS). The Grizzlies are stuck way back in 13th in the West, while the Mavericks currently sit in 6th. Memphis picked up a strong road win in Phoenix in their last outing, defeating the Suns 121-115 and winning outright as 8.5-point dogs. Dallas also sprung an upset in their last game, winning 115-108 at home over Minnesota as 2.5-point underdogs. This is the 4th and final matchup between these division rivals, the Mavs lead the series 2-1 with the road team winning every time. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 EST from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, and can be found on NBATV.
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The Memphis Grizzlies have been playing better basketball since the return of Ja Morant after his 25-game suspension. They come into this matchup winners of three of their last four, with wins over the Spurs, Lakers and Suns. The Grizzlies are 4.5 games out from the last spot in the playoffs, and a comeback is possible as they have been playing much better as of late. In their last game the Grizzlies defeated the Spurs behind 28 points and 10 rebounds by Jaren Jackson Jr., and 25 points and eight assists from Marcus Smart.
The Grizzlies defeated the Suns without Morant, and he is listed as day-to-day with a shoulder injury. He has played in nine games this season and is averaging 25.1 PPG and 8.1 APG, both of which lead the team. Morant played last on January 5th against the Lakers, where he had 21 points and seven assists in the win. Desmond Bane has become a legit scoring threat for the Grizzlies, he averages 24.5 PPG and knocks down 3.4 threes per game to lead the team. Bane has scored 20 plus in his last four games. Jaren Jackson Jr. is their top frontcourt player, he adds 21.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG and leads the team with 1.8 blocks per game. Marcus Smart starts in the backcourt and adds 14.0 PPG and 4.5 APG.
Luke Kennard started last game for Morant, and is typically a scorer off the bench that averages 8.2 PPG. Santi Aldama is another scoring option, as he is the top bench scorer with 10.4 PPG. The Grizzlies rank 29th in offensive efficiency and 9th in defensive efficiency according to dunksandthrees.com. Memphis plays at the 15th fastest tempo in the NBA.
Injury Report:
Day-to-day: Ja Morant, Derrick Rose
Out: Steven Adams, Brandon Clarke