Memphis (38-24) at Dallas (32-31)
- When: Mar 7 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- TV: ESPN
Grizzlies Aim to Snap Skid While Short-Handed Mavericks Struggle to Stay Afloat
Moneyline: Grizzlies -11.5 | Total: 239.0
Two teams desperate for a turnaround meet on Friday night as the Memphis Grizzlies visit the Dallas Mavericks. Both squads have hit rough patches, but while Memphis is still in the playoff mix, Dallas is running out of options as injuries continue to pile up.
Memphis Grizzlies
For much of the season, the Grizzlies looked like a solid No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, but a disastrous stretch has seen them plummet in the standings. Memphis has lost four straight and seven of their last nine, including a 120-103 home defeat to Oklahoma City on Wednesday.
A lackluster second half doomed them in that game, scoring only 48 points in the final two quarters while shooting a horrific 9-of-34 from deep. Without Jaren Jackson Jr. (ankle), their defense has suffered, and their offense has lacked a go-to scorer outside of Ja Morant.
Morant played against the Thunder but admitted after the game that he probably shouldn’t have suited up due to a right shoulder injury.
“I should have been out, but I was out there,” Morant said. “Regardless, out or in, there’s going to be something said. I think I just said I probably shouldn’t have played, but I did.”
With Jackson still out and Morant playing through pain, Memphis will need a big night from Desmond Bane, who has been inconsistent from deep during their skid.
Despite their struggles, Memphis is still the favorite given how shorthanded Dallas is. The Grizzlies need a win to regain momentum before the playoff push, and this matchup presents an opportunity.
Dallas Mavericks
Things went from bad to worse for the Mavericks this week. After trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers in early February, Dallas has been in a downward spiral. The injury bug has been relentless, and they enter this game with one of the shortest rotations in the league.
Anthony Davis, acquired in the Doncic trade, has yet to return from an adductor strain he suffered in his Dallas debut.
Kyrie Irving, who had been carrying the offense in Doncic’s absence, tore his ACL on Monday, ending his season.
Daniel Gafford (MCL), Dereck Lively II (ankle), and Caleb Martin (hip) are all sidelined, leaving Dallas with just eight available players in Wednesday’s 137-107 blowout loss to the Bucks.
With Irving out, Klay Thompson tried to shoulder the scoring load, taking 27 shots and finishing with 28 points, but it wasn’t nearly enough.
Thompson acknowledged that Dallas is in survival mode at this point.
“We are human. It is very hard, and you have to find joy playing the game and playing for one another,” Thompson said. “Your character is revealed during the toughest times. It’s easy to be high and mighty when you’re winning, but the true test is when things don’t go your way.”
With a depleted lineup, little depth, and no clear leader on the floor, Dallas will have to rely on role players stepping up to keep this game competitive.
Betting Prediction
Memphis may be struggling, but Dallas is in full survival mode with a decimated roster. The Grizzlies still have enough firepower to take advantage of a Mavericks team that has no go-to scorer and struggles defensively.
Pick: Grizzlies -11.5
Total Prediction: Even with Dallas’ lack of offensive weapons, their defensive struggles make this an Over play at 239.0. Memphis should score at will in this one.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
