Mavs at Grizzlies Preview: Luka Doncic, Ja Morant Out in Memphis
All is not well in Memphis. As the Memphis Grizzlies navigate the murky waters of Ja Morant's troubles, the Western Conference playoff race continues. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks face another Luka Doncic injury scare as he now deals with a thigh strain.
Doncic won't suit up at Memphis, and a timetable for his return isn't publicly set. However, the Mavs potentially have Kyrie Irving to deploy on the teetering Grizzlies unless his foot soreness forces Dallas to sit him Saturday evening.
Dallas can't afford another loss to a Western Conference opponent. Going 3-7 in their last 10 games, the Mavs haven't responded well since the Irving trade. A loss isn't out of the question, even without Morant in the rotation. Dallas has a knack for losing games they are supposed to win.
In their last 10 games against the spread, the Mavs only registered two wins. However, Dallas has the regular season advantage over Memphis. Recording four wins out of five contests, history is on the Mavs' side.
On the road, without their best player, Josh Green's energy will play a pivotal role on Saturday evening. Although his minutes for the season don't indicate it, Green has a sense of revving up the game when Dallas finds itself in the mud.
In his last outing, he attempted only five shots in 23 minutes; don't expect that outcome on Saturday. When Green drives to the rim and whips it out to the perimeter, it ignites the rest of the team. While his stats don't always relay the message, Green is the catalyst for the Mavs on fast breaks. If Irving doesn't suit up, Jason Kidd can't afford to sit the Arizona alum for extended stretches.
Even before the Irving trade, the Mavs' depth chart didn't allow much wiggle room. Without Dorian Finney-Smith and Spencer Dinwiddie, Green's insertion into the team's nucleus is imperative to Dallas winning in the long run.
Dallas Mavericks at Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report
Dallas Mavericks
- Luka Doncic - out (thigh)
- Reggie Bullock - probable (quadricep)
- Kyrie Irving - questionable (foot)
- JaVale McGee - probable (ankle)
Memphis Grizzlies
- Steven Adams - out (knee)
- Brandon Clarke - out (achilles)
- Ja Morant - out (not with team)
- Vince Williams Jr. - out (shoulder)
FUN FACT: The last time the Mavs faced the Grizzlies in what seems like a matchup from ages ago, Dallas stomped Memphis 137-96.
RECORDS: Dallas Mavericks (34-33), Memphis Grizzlies (39-26)
WHEN: Saturday, Mar. 11, at 7:00 p.m. CT
WHERE: FedEx Forum (Memphis, TN)
TV: Bally Sports Southwest, NBA League Pass
RADIO: 97.1 The Freak
ODDS: The Grizzlies are favored by 5.5 points over the Mavs.
NEXT UP: The Mavs face the Grizzlies again at the American Airlines Center on Monday at 6:30 p.m. CT.
FINAL WORD: Jason Kidd on the latest regarding Luka Doncic's status.
“He’s day-to-day,” coach Jason Kidd. “So we’ll see how he feels. He will not go on the trip (to Memphis).”
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