NBA: Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies Preview, Odds, Prediction

The Dallas Mavs will try to stop the Memphis Grizzlies’ super streak, which now reached 11 straight victories. Luka and his team travel to Tennessee in good shape despite losing to the Knicks on the road a few days ago. They have some troubles with injured players, but so do have the Grizzlies, and it turns out to be at the same position. Dallas won’t have Kristaps Porzingis, while the Grizzlies can’t count on Steven Adams. All eyes will be pointed towards Luka and Ja, who will probably deliver a superb clash.

Preview

Dallas Mavericks (22-19, +125) lost in New York after six straight wins, 108-85. It was a tough blow for Jason Kidd’s guys, but they need to dust off and carry on because there is another tough challenge ahead. This isn’t only about one win or defeat, but about pride because Ja Morant threatens to overshine Luka’s popularity and take away his place as the next generational leader.

Doncic’s scoring has dropped in his last five matches, scoring only 20.8 points and shooting just 22.9% from downtown, which is another reason why many find it surprising that the Mavs posted wins. He skipped a few matches as well, we need to add that too.

He was 1-for-9 from three-point territory in New York in 36 minutes, and overall, the entire Mavs’ team was disastrous in that aspect of play, making just eight of 37 attempts. Luka had a team-high 21 points with 11 boards, Jalen Brunson 14 with seven boards and six assists, while Tim Hardaway Jr scored 13 off the bench.

Memphis Grizzlies (30-14, -165) continued their rampage through the league with a win at home over the Minnesota Timberwolves, 116-108. It was a highly amusing battle of two very young and talented teams with a great future ahead of them.

The Grizzlies opened the game a bit slower, allowing the guests to have a lead at halftime, but a furious third period in which they outscored Minnesota 37-24, defined and solved this event. Ja had only 16 points, shooting 5-for-16 from the field and missing all of his seven threes, but adding nine assists and eight rebounds.

Jaren Jackson Jr had 20 buckets, and the team-high was set by Desmond Bane with 21 points. John Konchar had a marvelous role off the bench, with 15 points and fantastic 17 boards, being the X-factor in this contest. Brandon Clarke added 14, also off the bench.

Head to Head Games

The Grizzlies and the Mavs met twice already, back in early December. The first game was in Dallas, and the Grizzlies won, 97-90. The Mavs responded on the road, beating the Grizzlies 104-96.

Prediction

The line for the total points is 217, which is, in our opinion, too high. Dallas is looking like an Under team in the past few contests because they don’t have Porzingis. It forces them to play a bit differently – that is, to give the ball to Luka, who then solves the actions mostly with one-on-one situations. Such an approach takes more time and reduces the number of possessions. Also, the previous two head-to-head games were way below this limit, and that is why we believe it is better to bet on Under.

Pick: Under 217