Mavericks and Grizzlies Clash for Last Playoff Spot Tonight

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies face off Friday night in a crucial NBA Play-In Tournament game at FedExForum, with the winner earning the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The matchup is set to tip off at 9:30 PM ET, following a dramatic cruise in this tournament, as both teams look to secure their place in the postseason.

The Mavericks, who finished the regular season with a 39-43 record, recently secured a win over the Sacramento Kings, 120-106, to stay alive in the Play-In race. Klay Thompson led the Mavericks with 23 points, including contributions from Anthony Davis, who scored 27 points and pulled down nine rebounds. Davis is listed as probable for tonight’s game after dealing with an adductor issue.

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies, who ended the season with a stronger 48-34 record as the eighth seed, are looking to bounce back after a narrow loss to the Golden State Warriors, 121-116, on Tuesday. Despite the setback, the Grizzlies are confident, with star guard Ja Morant expected to play despite a right ankle injury that left his status in question.

“I’m playing. That’s basically the answer I’m giving,” Morant stated after Tuesday’s game, underscoring his determination to help his team advance.

Throughout the regular season, the Mavericks have struggled in away games, holding a 17-25 record on the road. Conversely, the Grizzlies excelled at home, winning 26 out of 41 games in Memphis, which could provide them an edge in this high-stakes encounter.

The last three matchups have seen the Grizzlies triumph over the Mavericks, allowing them to head into this game with momentum. Memphis forward Desmond Bane has been particularly effective recently, scoring 30 points in the loss against Golden State.

“We just need to play our game at home,” Bane commented, emphasizing the need for a strong team performance to secure their playoff berth.

This will be the first time these franchises meet in the Play-In Tournament, adding more intensity and significance to the game ahead. Historically, the Mavericks hold a 76-40 edge in head-to-head matchups against the Grizzlies.

The stakes are high, with the winner set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The Thunder concluded the regular season with a remarkable 68-14 record, making this game a pivotal opportunity for either the Mavericks or Grizzlies to extend their seasons.

As the countdown to tip-off approaches, both teams are gearing up to make a lasting impression. The winner will punch their ticket to playoffs, whereas the losing team will see their season end.