Mavs vs. Grizzlies Injury Updates: Luka Doncic Probable, Dereck Lively II, Ja Morant OUT
Heading into a season-high seven-game homestand, the Dallas Mavericks knew they needed to maximize their two weeks at American Airlines Center and build chemistry for the rest of the season.
So far, so good, as the Mavs have started off the homestand with two wins over the Portland Trail Blazers and a resounding statement win against the best team in the Western Conference, the Minnesota Timberwolves. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were spectacular, combing for 69 points and leading a late 11-0 run at the end of the fourth quarter to pull out a 115-108 victory.
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On Tuesday, Dallas will have a chance to extend its win streak to four games against the Memphis Grizzlies. Although the Mavs will have some key absences with Dereck Lively II, Dante Exum and Maxi Kleber all being out, Doncic and Grant Williams are listed as probable.
The Grizzlies, on the other hand, will be more shorthanded, as they'll be without star point guard Ja Morant, who has a shoulder injury after playing just nine games following his 25-game suspension to start the season. Memphis will also be without Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke, who are both out for the season, Derrick Rose, and possibly Santi Aldama as well, who is listed as doubtful.
“It was a good test for us to play against one of the hottest teams in the league. Their record speaks for itself. I think our focus level was at a great point tonight. We had some points of emphasis in the game plan that we really stuck to and the ball found who we wanted it to. We were dialed in from the beginning of the game," Irving said after Sunday's big win over the Timberwolves.
"It feels good when you can go blow-for-blow with one of the best teams in the league. I think, offensively and defensively, you’re challenging yourself. These are the type of games you want to be a part of. In the regular season, it’s not too often you get to go against some of the best of the best in the league and tonight was a great test for us. We showed where we can still improve, but also it took an effort for us tonight to get this win.”
