Grizzlies & Mavericks: Two Teams Struggling to Find Their Footing

The Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks find themselves in uncharted waters. What once looked like promising seasons for both teams have quickly taken a turn for the worse, with injuries, losing streaks, and roster changes wreaking havoc. As they prepare to face off, both squads are desperate for a reset.

Memphis Grizzlies: From Contenders to Freefall

For much of the season, the Memphis Grizzlies were right behind the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference standings. Now, they are in a downward spiral, having lost four straight and seven of their last nine games.

Their latest setback? A 120-103 blowout loss to the Thunder on Wednesday. Memphis struggled from deep, hitting just 9-of-34 three-pointers, and only managed 48 second-half points.

Injury Woes and Frustration Mounting

One of the biggest reasons for their struggles is the absence of All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Jr., who remains sidelined with a left ankle sprain. Meanwhile, Ja Morant, playing through a right shoulder injury, dropped 24 points and six assists against OKC but admitted after the game that he probably should have sat out.

“I should have been out, but I was out there,” Morant admitted. “Regardless, out or in, there’s going to be something said. I think I just said I probably shouldn’t have played, but I did.”

The Grizzlies were once considered legitimate title contenders, thanks to their core of Jackson, Morant, and Desmond Bane, but their recent slump has left them searching for answers.

Dallas Mavericks: A Season of Setbacks

If the Grizzlies’ situation looks bad, the Mavericks might argue that theirs is worse. After a promising start to the year, Dallas has dropped five of its last six games, barely holding onto a winning record at 32-31.

Luka’s Departure & Injury Nightmare

The real turning point for Dallas came when Luka Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in early February. In exchange, the Mavs brought in big man Anthony Davis, but the move has backfired spectacularly.

Anthony Davis played just one game before suffering an adductor strain and has been out ever since.
On Monday, Kyrie Irving tore his ACL, ending his season.
Daniel Gafford (MCL), Dereck Lively II (ankle), and Caleb Martin (hip) are also sidelined.

With so many key players unavailable, head coach Jason Kidd summed up the situation bluntly:

“A lot of people haven’t seen this. But again, it is next man up and we are running out of next (men).”

Klay Thompson Trying to Fill the Void

With Irving out for the season, the Mavericks have turned to Klay Thompson to pick up the slack. In Wednesday’s 137-107 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, Thompson took 27 shots, making 11 and leading the team with 28 points.

Despite his efforts, the Mavericks were completely overmatched.

“We are human,” Thompson said. “Your character is revealed during the toughest times. It’s easy to be high and mighty when you’re winning, but the true test is when things don’t go your way, and you still show up, play hard, and support your teammates.”

Thompson also called Irving’s injury a “gut punch” for both Mavericks fans and the entire NBA.

“Kyrie has been our rock this year. It’s like an unfillable void. We have to rally around him and play hard for him. That one hurt.”

What’s Next for Both Teams?

The Grizzlies and Mavericks both entered the season with championship aspirations, but now they’re just fighting to stay afloat. Injuries have completely reshaped their lineups, and frustration is mounting.

Memphis needs to get healthy and regain its defensive identity.
Dallas has to figure out how to survive without its star players.

Friday’s matchup may not be a battle between two top contenders anymore, but it will be a test of resilience. Will either team find a way to turn things around before it’s too late?

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Final Thoughts

Both teams have had their fair share of bad luck, but the NBA is all about adjustments. Whether it’s through roster tweaks, new strategies, or just grinding through adversity, the next few weeks will determine if the Grizzlies and Mavericks can salvage their seasons.

One thing’s for sure—time is running out.

Dallas Mavericks vs Memphis Grizzlies Picks and Predictions March 7th 2025