The Dallas Mavericks are looking to save their season in the 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament as they face the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. After a regular season record of 39-43, the Mavericks secured a crucial road victory against the Kings on Wednesday, winning 120-106. This win puts them within one game of reaching the first round of the playoffs.
The Memphis Grizzlies finished the regular season with a 48-34 record but suffered a narrow defeat to the Warriors on Tuesday, 121-116. In their head-to-head matchups during the 2024-25 season, Dallas won the first game, but Memphis claimed victory in the subsequent three, including a dominant 132-97 win in their regular season finale on Sunday.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Memphis Grizzlies are favored by 6 points for this matchup, and the over/under is set at 221.5 points.
Why the Mavericks Could Cover the Spread
Anthony Davis, a key forward for the Mavericks, demonstrated his top-tier talent in Wednesday`s game against Sacramento, scoring 27 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Since joining Dallas as part of the Luka Doncic trade, Davis has consistently delivered high-scoring performances, exceeding 23 points in four of his last five games. He is expected to play a significant role on Friday.
Klay Thompson, a veteran guard, also played exceptionally well against Sacramento, scoring 23 points with five successful 3-pointers. Brandon Williams, a reserve guard, emerged as a surprise contributor with 17 points in just 18 minutes, potentially earning a larger role in the upcoming game.
Why the Grizzlies Could Cover the Spread
Ja Morant`s participation for the Grizzlies is uncertain due to an ankle injury. However, considering the high stakes of this play-in game, it is anticipated he will play. In the loss against Golden State, Morant scored 22 points, along with three assists and three rebounds. This season, in games against the Mavericks, Morant has averaged an impressive 31 points, six assists, and three rebounds.
Forwards Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. will be crucial for the Grizzlies to defend their home court successfully. Bane scored 30 points against the Warriors, while Jackson added 18. Rookie Zach Edey, fresh off a strong performance of 14 points and 17 rebounds, will be tasked with defending Davis. Edey has been a rebounding force since April 1st, averaging over 16 rebounds per game.
Game Prediction
Predictions suggest the total points in the Mavericks vs. Grizzlies game will likely be over 221.5 points, with a projected total of 229 points. One side of the spread is also favored to hit with a probability of over 50%. For specific picks and further analysis, refer to sports prediction models.
Jasper Hawthorne