The Dallas Mavericks (2-6) begin their first NBA Cup matchup on Friday night, entering FedExForum with a three-game losing streak to face the Memphis Grizzlies (3-6). Memphis has also struggled, losing four straight amid ongoing issues involving their star guard Ja Morant.
On Wednesday, the Grizzlies fell to the Houston Rockets 124-109. After scoring the game’s opening basket, Memphis never regained the lead. Cam Spencer delivered 19 points off the bench, while Ja Morant added 17 points, eight assists, and six turnovers, shooting 6-of-19 from the field. Santi Aldama also contributed 16 points in the loss.
Morant, who served a one-game suspension for “detrimental conduct,” is averaging 20.0 points and 7.3 assists with .383/.140/.957 shooting splits.
The Mavericks dropped their third consecutive game on Wednesday, losing 101-99 at home to the New Orleans Pelicans. Cooper Flagg’s potential game-winning shot bounced off the rim with two seconds left. Having recently shifted from point guard to small forward while D’Angelo Russell made his first start at the point, Flagg finished with 20 points and three steals.
The Mavericks and Grizzlies both enter NBA Cup play seeking redemption, each carrying losing streaks and relying on their young stars to shift early-season momentum.