Coming off a 117-114 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder (8-6) on Sunday night to end their six-game winning streak, the Dallas Mavericks (9-5) now head to the FedEx Forum to face the Memphis Grizzlies (7-7). This will be the first game of a tough back-to-back on the road for the Mavs, before heading to San Antonio to face Tim Duncan and the Spurs on Wednesday night.
What To Watch For:
Free Throws:
While the Mavs played competitively for four quarters in game that saw 10 ties and 13 lead changes, perhaps the most glaring statistic from on Sunday night’s box score was Dallas’ season-low 57% from the free throw line. Without a doubt, Mavericks center Zaza Pachulia has been the most pleasant surprise for the Mavs thus far this season, especially due to his ability to hit free throws, something the reneged DeAndre Jordan wouldn’t have been able to do had he followed through on his commitment to join the Mavs this summer. Unfortunately, Pachulia uncharacteristically struggled from the line on Sunday night, finishing the game with three big missed free throws in the fourth quarter. Look for him and the rest of the team to get back on track tonight.
Regaining Momentum:
Even with Thunder guard Kevin Durant (hamstring) out, the Dallas Mavericks surrendered their second highest-point total of the season to Oklahoma City, including 31 points from point guard Russell Westbrook. In order to get back to their winning ways the Mavs must simply put Sunday’s loss behind them.
“You know, sometimes a loss is not the worst thing in the world,” Dirk Nowitzki told reporters. “Get’s everybody’s focus back.”
And focus is exactly what the Mavs will need tonight against the Grizzles who have won four of their last five.
While the Grizzlies were expected be among the NBA’s elite this season, they have struggled to resuscitate the same magic that led them to 55 wins last season. Instead, they have struggled this season, highlighted by an offense that is averaging just 94.8 (28th) points per game on 41.8 percent shooting (26th). To further matters, forward Zach Randolph (14.5 points, 8.7 rebounds) has missed the last two contests while battling knee soreness and has been listed as questionable for tonight’s game. Should Randolph play, the Mavs will need their full complement of big men to make crashing the boards a pripority, against one of the best rebounding frontlines in the NBA.
Injuries:
Mavs:
None.
Grizzlies:
Jordan Adams (right knee soreness) is out.
Jarell Martin (left foot surgery) is out.
Zach Randolph (right knee soreness) is questionable.
Brandan Wright (right knee soreness) is out.
Tip-off is at 7 p.m. CT and will air locally on Fox Sports Southwest.
Quotes via ESPNDallas.com
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