Memphis Grizzlies vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction: Hobbling Grizzlies takes on rhythm-seeking Mavs

The NBA model for decades has proven that just because you stack up three of the best players in the world, it is not a guarantee for a championship. One of the major examples of that is the former Nets’ trio of James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving, all three now on their separate ways because things didn’t work out. One part of this underachieving trio, Kyrie Irving, and his new squad Dallas Mavericks are going to take on the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies enter the affair after a 131:110 beatdown of the road-strugglers Warriors as Tyus Jones rolled in 22 points and 11 assists. This win broke a three-game losing streak and the Grizzlies have once again their work cut out after going through a losing period. After starting the season with 31 wins and 13 losses, the team has just eight wins and 13 losses. Is this losing period a result of the team not having their leading rebounder, screen-setter, and bruiser Steven Adams? Recently, Ja Morant got suspended by the team due to some off-the-court shenanigans but he may return soon. Has the second half of the season derailed their push for the title?

The Mavs enter the fray after losing 106:113 against the Pelicans despite a 27 points performance by Kyrie Irving. They have now lost seven of their last ten games and the duo of Irving and Doncic is taking some time to mesh. The team had to trade their premier defender Dorian Finney-Smith to get Irving and that has affected an already fragile defensive unit. The team needs Maxi Kleber back to bring some toughness to the floor and as of now, they have just 34 wins and 33 losses, which is a rather shambolic effort for a Doncic-led team. Will the Mavs be able to make any impressions once the Playoffs begin?

• Grizzlies: OUT: Steven Adams, Ja Morant, Vince Williams, Brandon Clarke;
• Mavericks: OUT: Luka Doncic. QUESTIONABLE: Kyrie Irving, JaVale McGee, McKinley Wright IV. PROBABLE: Reggie Bullock.

The Mavs will be without Luka Doncic here and their woes can be exacerbated if Kyrie misses out as well. The biggest challenge for both teams has been sustaining a consistent defensive effort but at home, Memphis has played much better on both ends. That’s why I favor them to win and predict a scoreline of 122:110.