After finishing the 2024-25 regular season with a 39-43 record, the Dallas Mavericks won their first play-in game as the 10th seed against the Sacramento Kings. The 48-win Memphis Grizzlies lost their first play-in game as the eighth seed against the Golden State Warriors to set up a clash between the divisional rivals for the final playoff spot.
Still reeling from the trading of Luka Doncic to the Lakers and the season-ending injury to Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks didn't have enough to overcome the Grizzlies' big three of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane. Now, the new season is here, and the Grizzlies don't have Desmond Bane anymore, and while the Mavericks still don't have Kyrie Irving at the moment, they have the #1 pick in the NBA Draft, Cooper Flagg.
The Grizzlies finished last season nine games ahead of the Mavericks in the West standings before their play-in battle, but that gap feels smaller after the offseason moves of both teams.
The Grizzlies stars will have to play like stars consistently
The Grizzlies' offseason moves sent a clear message to Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.: it is up to them to determine how far the Grizzlies can make it this season. The Desmond Bane trade brought the Grizzlies back Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and the drafting of Cedric Coward. They also brought in Ty Jerome as a free agent to offer a collection of players to replace his production.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks were gifted the top draft pick with one of the most hyped players in recent history. Cooper Flagg won the national college player of the year during his freshman season at Duke last year, so he will be expected to produce early in his career. Anthony Davis is also healthy with the Mavericks as they await the return of Kyrie Irving sometime during the middle of the season.
Various sportsbooks have the Grizzlies and Mavericks hovering around the same over/under win totals, meaning the teams are closer than they were last season. FanDuel has the Grizzlies' over/under set at 39.5 and the Mavericks' over/under set at 40.5, and DraftKings has both teams' over/under set at 39.5.
Memphis has two All-Star players and a mix of veteran and young role players who are expected to keep them contending for the playoffs, but have they done enough to hold off the Mavericks' deep collection of talent, even without Irving? Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. will need to play often and, like the All-Star level players they are to stay ahead of the surging Mavericks this season.