3 Things to Think About Before the Dallas Mavericks Play the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA Cup
The Dallas Mavericks (2-6) travel to Memphis on Friday night for their first NBA Cup game against the Grizzlies (3-6). Both teams find themselves in difficult positions: Memphis is trying to rebuild trust with its star Ja Morant, while Dallas struggles to rediscover its shooting rhythm.
“May the less bad team win.”
Each side enters the matchup hoping to end a losing streak — three straight for Dallas and four for Memphis — yet a win is unlikely to fix their deeper problems. The Mavericks are still reeling from a humbling loss to the Pelicans, while the Grizzlies must resolve growing tension between their coaching staff and Morant. Just months ago, internal disputes led to a change in Memphis’s leadership.
Statistical Struggles
On the court, both teams rank near the bottom of the league in several key metrics: bottom five in offensive rating, bottom six in net rating, but top five in pace. In other words, they’re playing a lot of basketball — but not playing it well.
Rookie Sparks
There is at least some optimism for both franchises. First-round draft picks Cooper Flagg (Dallas) and Cedric Coward (Memphis) have injected some fresh energy and potential. Their first matchup in the NBA Cup could be the start of an exciting rookie rivalry.
Historical Edge
Historically, Dallas performed strongly against Memphis during Luka Doncic’s tenure, a trend the current roster hopes to continue despite its current struggles.
Author’s Summary
Both teams enter the NBA Cup wounded but hopeful, with rookies Flagg and Coward offering the brightest sparks in a matchup defined by dysfunction and rebuilding.