The Dallas Mavericks (2-6) face the Memphis Grizzlies (3-6) on Friday night at FedExForum, marking their first NBA Cup appearance amid struggling forms. The Mavericks enter the game on a three-game losing streak, while the Grizzlies have lost four consecutive matches amid controversy surrounding star guard Ja Morant.
Memphis recently lost 124-109 at home against the Houston Rockets. The team scored the first basket but never regained the lead. Key contributors included Cam Spencer off the bench with 19 points and Ja Morant, who posted 17 points, eight assists, and six turnovers on 6-of-19 shooting. Santi Aldama added 16 points in the defeat.
Morant, who was suspended for a game due to “detrimental conduct,” is averaging 20.0 points and 7.3 assists this season with shooting splits of .383/.140/.957.
The Mavericks lost their third straight game on Wednesday, falling 101-99 to the New Orleans Pelicans. Cooper Flagg’s last-second shot hit the rim, missing the chance to tie. Flagg, who switched from point guard to small forward with D'Angelo Russell starting at point guard for the first time, scored 20 points and had three steals. P.J. Washington added 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Daniel Gafford contributed 15 points as well.
Author’s summary: Both teams enter this matchup struggling with losing streaks and key player challenges, promising an intense and unpredictable NBA Cup game.