3 things to think about before the Dallas Mavericks play the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA Cup
The Dallas Mavericks (2-6) travel to Memphis to face the Grizzlies (3-6) in their first NBA Cup game. Both teams are struggling and searching for answers on and off the court.
A battle of two struggling teams
The Grizzlies are trying to repair their relationship with star Ja Morant, while the Mavericks are struggling to find consistent scoring.
Both teams are experiencing losing streaks—Dallas has lost three games, Memphis four—and a victory will not fix their deeper problems.
Challenges beyond the scoreboard
The Mavericks face a crisis after a tough loss to the Pelicans, while the Grizzlies must decide between supporting Morant or their coaching staff, who were recently overhauled.
Poor performance metrics
- Both teams rank among the worst in the league offensively.
- Each is in the bottom five for offensive rating and bottom six for net rating.
- They play at one of the fastest paces in the NBA, resulting in high-scoring but inefficient games.
Rookie prospects offer hope
One bright spot is the teams’ first-round draft picks: Cooper Flagg for Dallas and Cedric Coward for Memphis. These rookies bring optimism amid uncertain futures for their teammates.
Fans can look forward to seeing these young players compete, possibly marking the start of a lasting rivalry.
Historical context
Before Luka Doncic's departure, the Mavericks had dominated matchups against Memphis, adding another layer to this evolving rivalry.
May the less bad team win.
Author’s note: Both the Mavericks and Grizzlies face significant turmoil, but fresh talent injects hope into their troubled seasons.
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