With only five games left in the regular season, two playoff hopefuls in the Western Conference will attempt to improve their playoff chances with a win on Friday night when the Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks meet at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The game is scheduled to start at 8:30 PM. ET.
The Grizzlies came into the season with hopes of making a deep postseason run after losing to the eventual champion Golden State Warriors in the second round of the playoffs last season. Unfortunately, the Grizzlies have been hit by injuries all year and are limping into the playoffs.
The Mavs still haven’t clinched, so look for Dirk to have a big game and will this team to the playoffs.
Memphis is currently 5th in the Western Conference standings, the team has a three game lead over the Utah Jazz, who currently occupy the 8th playoff position in the West. Memphis has lost seven of its last 10 games, so they are in danger of falling a few spots if they can’t turn things around quickly.
The Dallas Mavericks didn’t have a lot of hype coming into the season because they lost Monta Ellis, who was their leading scorer last season, and failed to land prized free agent DeAndre Jordan, who had a change of heart and returned to the Los Angeles Clippers after verbally agreeing to sign with Dallas.
Despite not making a splash in free agency, the Mavericks find themselves holding on to one of the final playoff spots in the West. Dallas is currently 7th in the standings, with a one game lead over the Utah Jazz and a two game lead over the Houston Rockets who are in 9th place.
The Mavericks are on a five game winning streak and have won six of their last 10 games, so they have to like their chances going into the home stretch.
The Grizzlies haven’t been known to be great offensively, and are averaging 99.3 points per game, which is 24th in the league. Their defense has been their calling card in previous seasons, but they are allowing opponents to score an average of 100.9 points per game, which is 10th in the league.
The Dallas Mavericks are averaging 102.6 points per game, which is 14th in the league. Dirk Nowitzki leads the way for the Mavericks, averaging 18.3 points per game. Defensively, Dallas is holding opponents to an average of 103 points per game, which is 16th in the league. While they have never been known for their defense, the Mavericks have to improve in that department if they want to make a deep playoff run.
Mavericks vs Grizzles Free Pick
BetOnline.ag has the Mavericks listed as 6 point favourites in this game. The over/under is set at 194.5. Here’s a BetOnline review if you’d like to learn more about the sportsbook.
My Pick
The Memphis Grizzlies have so many injuries and look like they are just hanging by a thread right now. They will give the Mavericks a run for their money but Dallas will ultimately prevail because they are healthier and are playing better than Memphis right now. The smart money is on Dallas to cover the spread and win the game.
Play: Mavericks -6
Dallas Mavericks • Memphis Grizzlies • NBA betting