USA Today via Reuters
Feb 12, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates with forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 12, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates with forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks take on the Memphis Grizzlies tonight. The Mavericks have had a poor start to the season so far, with a current record of 13-15 in the NBA. For a team that was expected to be a title contender this season, they are below .500 for the year. Luka Doncic, despite putting up good numbers, has not played very well.
The Grizzlies, on the other hand, have been very inconsistent. They currently have a 12-12 record season so far. Ja Morant has been playing quite well in his sophomore year, but he missed a significant amount of time due to an injury. He appears to have fully recovered and looks set to improve on his Rookie of the Year performance.
With that in mind, let us preview the Mavericks game against the Grizzlies.
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Dallas Mavericks – Team News
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 12, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and center Kristaps Porzingis (6) celebrate during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicansat American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Mavericks currently have no injuries on their roster. They can be expected to field their strongest possible line-up. The return of Kristaps Porzingis was huge for them, as they looked to struggle without him on the court. Luka Doncic will be expected to play tomorrow, building off the momentum of being announced as an All-Star starter tonight.
Predicted Lineup: Luka Doncic, Josh Richardson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, Kristaps Porzingis
Memphis Grizzlies – Team News
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 3, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol (14) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) fight for the ball during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
The Grizzlies have significant injury concerns heading into the game. They will be without Jaren Jackson Jr., Justice Winslow, Dillon Brooks, DeAnthony Melton, and Killian Tillie. However, their important stars like Ja Morant and Jonas Valanciunas will be ready to go for tip-off tomorrow night.
Predicted Lineup: Ja Morant, Brandon Clarke, Xavier Tillman, Kyle Anderson, Jonas Valanciunas
Dallas Mavericks vs Memphis Grizzlies – Prediction
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USA Today via Reuters
Feb 8, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (11) celebrates with guard Luka Doncic (77) and guard Jalen Brunson (13) during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Grizzlies will be concerned heading into the game. The Mavericks are a good team that has not performed well this year. They will be focused on getting a big win against a conference rival to help them bounce back. For the Mavericks, they cannot make the same mistakes they have made in games past.
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Prediction: Luka and the Mavs defeat the Grizzlies, but Ja Morant provides a scare for them.
Who will win between the Mavericks and the Grizzlies? It promises to be an exciting game between two teams that aim for a playoff spot. With Ja Morant and Luka Doncic ready to do battle, it could prove to be one of the most interesting games of the NBA season. The two Rookie of the Year winners will be going all out to get their team the win.
