The Memphis Grizzlies took on the Dallas Mavericks this past Saturday in a game that saw Luka Doncic sidelined. The Grizzlies benefitted from his absence in the first game, where they knocked off Dallas in a low-scoring contest.
They may not have such luck the second time around.
For this contest, the Dallas Mavericks should have Luka Doncic around. Regardless, the steaming-hot Grizzlies will look to extend their current five-game winning streak to six. They’ll need another strong performance from Desmond Bane, who scored 29 in the last contest between these teams and has been the Grizzlies’ leading scorer in two consecutive contests.
Can the Memphis Grizzlies win their second straight against the Mavericks? Our contributors weigh in.
Jack Williams (Site Expert): I hope that nobody is keeping track of my prediction record this year because it has been terrible. Since I seem to jinx everything, I’m going to pick against the Grizzlies today, giving the Mavericks a comfortable win. For the first time in Ja Morant’s five-game absence, Memphis will look lost without their star point guard. It’s not all bad though — 5-1 without your team’s All-Star is pretty good.
Grizz 108, Mavs 127
Noah Hancock: The Grizzlies are on a hot streak like no other right now even without Ja Morant. They are facing off against a Mavs team with several players coming off the Injury Report. I see the Grizzlies snowballing over the Mavericks in great fashion, as the Mavericks will look at getting back into the swing of things. If the Grizzlies continue to play at this high of a level it is going to be another great season. NXTGen Grizz is in full motion and I am here for it.
Grizz 116, Mavs 98
Jacob Ellerbee: Memphis has been red-hot on defense during its five-game winning streak. However, that streak comes to an end when Luka and Kristaps come to town. The Grizz need some combination of Jaren, Desmond, and Brooks to score 20+ points each to win. Luka will exploit the smaller Tyus Jones and De’Anthony Melton.
Grizz 107, Mavs 116
Will Jones: The Memphis Grizzlies have been on a hot streak. In fact, one of only two teams in the last 25 years to never trail in five straight games. Unfortunately, I think that streak ends tonight against a Mavs team with a returning superstar and who the Grizz embarrassed on Saturday. Bane has got to have a great game after calling out the Dallas organization for not drafting him in Saturday’s postgame interview. Grizz sneak out a back-and-forth close win.
Grizz 109, Mavs 102