Dallas is playing their fifth game in seven nights as they host a division rival, the Memphis Grizzlies. It will be the second meeting between the two teams, and it will not feature Anthony Davis for a second time. Fortunately for Dallas, Ja Morant is out this time, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is doubtful at the time of writing. The Mavericks have the benefit of sleeping in their own beds after a hard-fought game last night, so this should be a solid outing and a great spot for their first win streak of the year.
Dallas Mavericks (5-12) at Memphis Grizzlies (5-11)
Tipoff: 7:30p CT at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX
How to watch: The game will be televised locally on KFAA Channel 29, or streaming on Mavs TV for anyone in the Mavericks media market. For those outside of the viewing area, NBA League Pass will have you covered.
Odds via the Fanduel Sportsbook as of Noon CST
Spread: Dallas -1.5 (-108)
Over/Under: 228.5 (-114/-106)
Cedric Coward over 16.5 points (-112)
P.J. Washington to get 20+ points (+164)
Santi Aldama over 17.5 points (-114)
I love all of these players’ matchups. Coward scored 19 points in both of the teams’ last two games without Morant. Aldama had 29 on Thursday and is a matchup problem for the Mavericks’ immobile bigs. Without Jackson Jr. for Memphis, P.J. should have his way inside. I expect a lot of floaters and shots at the rim for Washington tonight.
This is completely a gut feeling, but I think this will be a fast-paced, up-and-down game. Memphis put up 137 two days ago without Ja Morant, and although they will be missing Jackson Jr., they can run on the Mavericks with the amount of turnovers Dallas surrenders. The Mavericks have 111-plus in four of their last five games, and they have shot the three at 36-plus percent in three of their last four. It should be a fun game to watch.
