Mavericks vs. Grizzlies Prediction and Odds: Ride Red-Hot Memphis for Fifth Straight

The Dallas Mavericks kick off a three-game road trip tonight at the FedEx Forum for a game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies are mired in a three-game losing streak after starting the season 11-9. One of those losses came against the Grizzlies and you better believe the Mavericks want some instant justice after that one. 

In their previous game, the Mavs took a hard-luck loss 102-99 against the Nets and lost 107-91 to the Pelicans before that. In a bit of good news, Dallas now has Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis back in action and playing together. The pair just didn’t have it against the Nets and they will need to play much better if they hope to fend off the Grizzlies. 

The Grizzles are dealing with an injury to their best player in Ja Morant who has been out with a knee injury since November 26. The thing is, the Grizzlies haven’t lost a game since that night. They actually went on a season-high five-game win streak including one over the Mavericks. The Grizzlies have really stepped with Morant out, especially Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. But, teams don’t get better when they lost their best player. I expect some regression at some point for this team. 

Here are the odds for this Wednesday evening showdown, courtesy of WynnBET: 

Mavericks vs. Grizzlies Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

• Mavericks: +4 (-110)
• Grizzlies: -4 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Mavericks: +150
• Grizzlies: -170

Total: 

• 216 (Over -110/Under -110)

Mavericks vs. Grizzlies Prediction and Pick

The Mavericks are a very good team that has been stuck in a bit of a downward spiral in recent weeks. Dallas is just 2-8 in their last 10 games and has one win in their last five games. That downturn did have a lot to do with injuries to Doncic and Porzingas but they have also suffered from a lot of bad defense. Their defensive rating in the games that their stars missed was in the bottom 10 of the NBA and is the major reason for their extended losing habit.

The other issue plaguing the Mavs is their abysmal three-point shooting. They were under 20 percent in their loss to the Nets as they scrambled to make up for bad defense with bad decisions behind the arc.

The Mavericks are a better team but the Grizzlies are playing much better and therefore have my attention tonight. 

Pick: Memphis Grizzlies -4 (-110)