GAME OF THE DAY: GRIZZLIES V MAVERICKS: Betting Odds: NBA Daily

The Memphis Grizzlies (43-27, 29-5 Home) are holding onto the 3rd spot in the Western Conference. They have been without their star guard, Ja Morant, who was suspended for detrimental conduct to the NBA. According to ESPN, there is a possibility, Ja Morant will return Wednesday. The Grizzlies have only five losses at home and are looking to extend their two-game win streak.

The Dallas Mavericks (36-35, 14-21 Away) will be without their star guard, Luka Doncic, due to a left thigh strain. In addition, star Kyrie Irving is listed as questionable with right foot soreness. Also, Dallas is on a two-game win streak, and barely holds onto the 6th seed in the Western Conference. These two teams will play tonight at 8 PM EDT, located at FedEx Forum, in Memphis, Tennessee. Both teams are looking to make a run in the Western Conference with just under four weeks left. The matchup will air on NBATV. If you are looking for the best betting odds, here is information to know:

Betting Odds, Money Line, Spread, Under/Over

*All lines are taken from Draft Kings*

Money Line

Dallas: +170
Grizzlies: -200

Over/Under: 227

Over: -110
Under: -110

Spread:

Dallas: +5 (-110)
Grizzlies: -5 (-110)

Season Matchup

Memphis 2-1 vs. Dallas this season.

Game 1: Dallas Wins 137-96 (Dallas home)

The Memphis Grizzlies are 2-1 against the Dallas Mavericks this season. In their home opener, Memphis took a loss to the Mavericks, 137-96. Ja Morant, had an efficient game, scoring 20 points on 6-12 shooting from the field. However, Ja did not get much help from the other starters. Steven Adams was held with 2 points and 1 rebound. Guard Desmond Bane was held to 14 points on 4-11 shooting. Their biggest lead over the Grizzlies was 42 points.
Memphis struggled from the three, shooting 27.3 percent, and not one teammate besides Ja Morant scored until almost 5 minutes into the first quarter. Defensively, The Grizzlies could not stop Luka, allowing him to score 25 points, including hitting 80% of his first ten shots. Also, the Grizzlies were outrebounded 52-29, and had a total of 18 turnovers.

Game 2: Memphis Win 112-108 (Memphis Home)

The Narrative changed quickly as the season progressed. In game two, on March 11th, Memphis evened up the series with a 112-108 win over the Mavericks. Dallas was up 11 points at one time, and rookie forward David Roddy helped Memphis with a comeback win. Roddy had a breakout game with 25 points, 8 assists, in 35 minutes. Memphis shot poorly from the three-point at 26.3 %. This time, Ja Morant was out, due to suspension by the NBA. Desmond Bane stepped up big time, scoring 25 points, on 8-18 shooting, adding in 7 rebounds and 8 assists.  Although Jaren Jackson Jr. struggled offensively, he added 14 points. Tyus Jones, Xavier Tillman, and Santi Aldama provided double digits in points. However, they were more efficient from the line, and shot nearly 48 percent from the field. Dallas had some unfortunate turnovers late in the game, which sealed their fate. Without stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Dallas was already facing the odds against them. Tim Hardaway Jr., Christian Wood, Josh Green, and Jaden Hardy all scored in double digits. After being outscored 33-21 in the 3rd quarter, Memphis fought back, and outscored the Mavericks by ten in the 3rd quarter, 25-25.

Game 3: Memphis Win 104-88 (Dallas Home)

Two days later, The Grizzlies had a blowout win against the Mavericks in Dallas. Again, the Grizzlies were without star guard Ja Morant, and The Mavericks were without stars Kyrie Irving and Luke Doncic. Memphis shot 32.4 percent from the three-point and held Dallas to 26 percent (12-46).  Although the Grizzlies were without Steven Adams, they outrebounded Dallas 47-41. Memphis shot nearly 48 percent from the field and held Dallas on 25-90 field goal shots. Memphis had an impressive 9 steals in this game, and their largest lead was 21 points. This difference in this game were fast break points for the Grizzlies.

Desmond Bane stepped up nicely again for Memphis, providing 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. Dillon Brooks, rookie David Roddy, and Tyus Jones all provided double-digit points. Roddy added 19 points and is averaging just over 6 points per game this season. On the defensive end, Tillman and Brooks combined for 5 steals, and Aldama snagged 9 defensive rebounds as well. Forward Tim Hardaway struggled from the floor, shooting 2-10, and 1-6 from beyond the arc.  In addition, Jaden Hardy shot a team high 25 shots, added 28 points, and finished 5-15 from the 3-point. Memphis outscored Dallas 36-21 in the third quarter, which solidified this game.

Regular Season Recap

Memphis Grizzlies

Overall: 43-27 Home: 29-5 Away: 14-22

It’s no secret, the Memphis Grizzlies had a fantastic 2021-2022 season, and lost to the Golden State Warriors 4-2 in the Western Conference Semis. Despite injuries and personal conduct issues, the Grizzlies hold the #3 spot in the Western Conference. Although Memphis is top team in the West, their away record is concerning. The Grizzlies have been without Center Steven Adams since late January, due to a right knee injury. In addition, Memphis has been without two-time all-star Ja Morant, due to NBA violations.

Ja Morant is playing exceptional basketball, averaging 27.1 points per game, 6 rebounds, 8.2 assists on 46.3 field goal percentage. In late December through mid-January, the Grizzlies won a season high 11 games in a run. After that, they lost 8 of their next 10 games. Memphis traded for guard Luke Kennard in part of the Clippers, Rockets trade to add guard depth. Since Ja Morant has been out of the lineup, the Grizzlies have gone 8-5. When Ja returns, the Grizzlies will be getting back an elite scorer, and an athletic playmaker. They are a top 10 offensive team, and top 10 in defense, specifically rebounds and steals.

Dallas Mavericks

Overall: 36-35 Home: 22-14 Away: 14-21

Last year, the Mavericks surprised many, and made a run to the Conference Semi Finals, where the Golden State Warriors won the series 4-1. Star Luka Doncic averaged over 30 points per game, and was evident Doncic needed help around him. After losing Jalen Brunson to the guards, the Mavericks knew Luka could not do it all. The Mavericks hold that #6 spot in the Western Conference, half a game above the Warriors.

A week before Christmas, this Dallas team was just 15-16. At the NBA trade deadline, the Mavericks added All-Star Kyrie Irving and Markieff Morris from the Brooklyn Nets, in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney Smith, two future second-round picks, and 2029 first-round pick. Irving made his debut 2/8 against the Clippers, and the Mavericks have gone 7-9 since then. Luke Doncic is their star player, who can do it all. He’s averaging close to a triple double, 33 points per game, 8.6 rebounds, and 8 assists. Kyrie Irving is one of the most talented ball handlers in the NBA, some NBA bookies even have him as an MVP favorite. His IQ and talent in undeniable. This question is, can Luka and Kyrie stay healthy? Can they fit together as two on ball dominant point guards? The Mavericks are middle of the pack defensively AND offensively. The Mavericks rank towards the bottom in points in the point, per game at 42.3. With these two guards out, can their role players step up?

Injury Report

Memphis

PG Ja Morant (OUT)
G Vince Williams Jr. (OUT)
SF Jaren Jackson Jr. (Questionable)- Left calf soreness.
C Steven Adams (Out) Knee.
PF Brandon Clarke(out) Left Achilles tear.

Dallas

PF Markieff Morris (OUT) Knee.
PG Luka Doncic (OUT) Thigh.
SF Tim Hardaway Jr. (Doubtful) Non-Covid illness
PG Kyrie Irving (Questionable)- Foot

Key Players

Dallas

Dallas is missing their two guards, Luka Doncic and MAYBE Kyrie Irving. With Tim Hardaway Jr. Questionable, that’s one less key player the Mavericks are without.

Given Kyrie Irving scored 38 points last game, look for Christian Wood and Josh Green to step it up.

Memphis

With Ja Morant out, keep an eye on guard Desmond Bane. He’s proven he can step up without Morant, and contributed 26 points, 4 rebounds, on 3-5 3-point shooting against the Warriors. He’s a guard that can score, rebound, and dish out to teammates. In his last 10 games, he’s averaging 21 points per game, 5.5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Small forward Dillon Brooks is an athlete who plays tough. He’s passionate and is averaging 13.2 points per game over his last ten. He’s able to shoot from the three point and plays hard.

Rookie David Roddy. Memphis has several role players who are capable of scoring in double-digits.

Key Stats

Dallas averages 113.8 points per game

Memphis averages 116.1 points per game

Dallas ranks 14th in points allowed with 113.3 opponents points per game.

Memphis ranks 4th in points allowed with 112.2 opponents points per game.

Dallas ranks 30th (last in the league) in rebounds per game with 38.8.

Memphis ranks 3rd in rebounds per game with 46.9.

Dallas ranks 13th in point differential at +0.5

Memphis ranks 3rd in point differential at +3.9

Dallas ranks 28th in blocked shots with 3.6 per game.

Memphis ranks 3rd in blocked shots with 5.9 per game.

Dallas averages 37.1 percent from the 3-point, while Memphis averages 34.7 from the 3-point.

LAST 10 GAMES + GAME PREDICTION

SPREAD: Dallas +5

-Dallas covered the spread in 4 of their last 10 games.

-Memphis covered the spread in 5 of their last 10 games.

-Dallas has a 26-42-3 record ATS this season.

-Memphis has a 33-35-2 record ATS this season.

-Dallas is 21-12-1 in HOME games ATS this season.

-Memphis is 10-9-0 in AWAY games ATS this season.

Dallas has held their own without stars Kyrie Irving and Luke Doncic. They have kept things close with the Lakers, Suns, and 76ers over the last ten games. With Ja Morant out, and Hardaway, I don't see this being a close game.  If Kyrie plays, Dallas +5.

MONEY LINE: Memphis

-Dallas won the Money Line 4 out of their last 10 games

-Memphis won the Money Line 4 of their last 10 games.

Although both teams have won their last two, Memphis has two wins against Dallas, and Golden State over the past 5. The Mavericks beat the Lakers 111-110, and barely won against a young Spurs team in Overtime. I like Memphis defense, and role players better here. Upside, they are playing at home.

 OVER/UNDER- Under

-Dallas Avg +/- vs O/U Line: -2.96

-Memphis Avg +/- vs O/U Line: -2.45

-Dallas Overall O/U Record: 38-32-1

-Memphis O/U Record: 31-37-2

-Dallas is 5-5 O/U in their last 10 games

-Memphis is 5-5 O/U in their last 10 games

Without both teams' stars, it will hard visualize what this game will look like. Will it be a blow out like last time? Can Dallas keep up its 3-point shooter after their win against the Lakers?  I am hesitant to put an answer for the Over/Under. If I had to guess, I would pick the under here.

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Sara Jane is a full-time content creator, focusing on both college basketball, the NBA, NFL, and writer of Ballislife.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter: @GGirlSports

							

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