The silver lining to Tuesday's Play-In Tournament loss to the Warriors is that the Memphis Grizzlies have another chance to extend their season. It'll come against the team that pulled off the most shocking trade in NBA history a few months ago, sending superstar Luka Doncic to the Lakers.
Dallas ended Sacramento's season on Wednesday with a 120-106 win behind Anthony Davis' 27 points (9-of-23), nine rebounds, three blocks, one assist, and one steal. Klay Thompson added 23 points on 5-of-7 shooting from three.
The Mavericks aren't at full strength, as they lost star point guard Kyrie Irving to a torn ACL at the beginning of March. The Grizzlies could be without their star guard on Friday, as Ja Morant hurt his ankle in the third quarter against the Warriors on Tuesday. Morant went up for a floater and landed on Buddy Hield's foot, turning his ankle.
Morant returned to the game, but it was evident he was in pain, and he didn't look the same. Being without Ja would be a tough blow for a team that can't seem to escape the injury bug.
Ja Morant's status for tonight's game vs. Mavericks
Ja Morant (ankle) is a game-time decision. He didn't practice on Thursday.
UPDATE: Ja Morant is available.
Grizzlies' Ja Morant (ankle sprain) will play tonight against the Dallas Mavericks (9:30 pm ET, ESPN). Morant received another injection today for his ankle, sources said. https://t.co/Ht9bQ5cOAy
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 19, 2025
Grizzlies injury report
Ja Morant (ankle) is a game-time decision. Jaylen Wells (wrist), Zyon Pullin (knee), and Brandon Clarke (knee) are out.
UPDATE: Ja Morant is available.
Mavericks injury report
Kyrie Irving (knee) and Olivier-Maxence Prosper (wrist) are out.
Projected starting lineups tonight
Memphis: Ja Morant (if he plays), Desmond Bane, Vince Williams Jr., Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Edey
Dallas: Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, P.J. Washington, Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II
How to watch Mavericks at Grizzlies April 18
Dallas at Memphis will be nationally broadcast on ESPN, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CDT. Fans looking for a stream can check out fuboTV for a free seven-day trial for new users.
First playoff game for team that advances
The winner of Friday's Grizzlies-Mavericks game will secure the No. 8 seed in the West, moving on to face the top-seeded Thunder in the first round. The first game of the series will be on Sunday, April 20, at noon CDT on ABC.