The Dallas Mavericks (2-6) face the Memphis Grizzlies (3-6) on Friday night at FedExForum, marking their first NBA Cup game of the season. The Mavericks enter on a three-game losing streak, while the Grizzlies have lost four in a row amid pressure surrounding star guard Ja Morant.
Memphis dropped its fourth consecutive game on Wednesday, falling 124-109 to the Houston Rockets. The Grizzlies scored first but never regained the lead. Key performances included:
“Morant, who was suspended for a game over the weekend for ‘detrimental conduct,’ is averaging 20.0 points and 7.3 assists on .383/.140/.957 shooting splits.”
The Mavericks suffered their third straight defeat on Wednesday, narrowly losing 101-99 to the New Orleans Pelicans. Cooper Flagg’s late runner hit the back of the rim with two seconds remaining. Highlights from the game include:
Both teams look to break their losing streaks as they meet in this NBA Cup contest.
“Cooper Flagg, moved from point guard to small forward with D’Angelo Russell starting at the point for the first time this season, scored 20 points with three steals.”
Author’s summary: The Mavericks and Grizzlies both approach their NBA Cup clash struggling to end losing streaks, with spotlight on Ja Morant’s challenges and Cooper Flagg’s position shift.