Memphis Grizzlies vs Dallas Mavericks Picks and Predictions January 6th 2025

Slumping Grizzlies, Mavericks Feeling the Absence of Their Stars

The Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks, both struggling through slumps, face off Monday in Memphis with depleted rosters exacerbating their challenges.

Injury Woes Define Both Teams

Memphis has lost two straight games while navigating a slew of injuries. Star guard Ja Morant remains day-to-day with a Grade 1 AC joint sprain in his right shoulder, having missed 16 games this season due to various ailments. When healthy, Morant averages 21.2 points and 7.9 assists. The Grizzlies are also without key contributors Marcus Smart and Santi Aldama.

Best NBA Picks for Tonight’s Games! See our expert NBA picks for today and stay in the know.

Dallas, in the midst of a four-game losing streak, is dealing with the prolonged absence of Luka Doncic, sidelined with a left calf injury sustained on Christmas Day. Doncic is expected to miss at least three more weeks. Kyrie Irving, a late scratch on Friday due to illness, has been ruled out for Monday with a lumbar sprain.

Grizzlies Struggle with Turnovers

The Grizzlies’ injuries have led to increased reliance on players like Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., who played heavy minutes in Saturday’s 121-113 loss at Golden State. Bane posted a double-double with 22 points and 10 assists but committed eight turnovers.

Memphis ranks among the NBA’s most turnover-prone teams, averaging 17.4 per game. Against the Warriors, 23 turnovers resulted in 28 points for Golden State.

“It’s a huge issue for us right now,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said. “It’s a lot of stuff. We’ve got to lean into watching the film.”

Without Morant, Memphis has struggled for consistency, posting a 9-7 record in the 16 games he’s missed. With him in the lineup, they’re a more robust 14-6.

Want Better NBA Outcomes?

Unlock Expert Picks Today!

Sign Up!

Mavericks Find a Bright Spot in Grimes

Dallas is similarly searching for stability without its stars. The Mavericks were encouraged by the performance of Quentin Grimes in Friday’s 134-122 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Grimes scored 26 points, dished out six assists, and shot 9-of-14 from the field, falling just two points shy of his season-high.

“He showed (against Cleveland) that he can play-make,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “He was really aggressive … and we needed his offense.”

While the Mavericks await Doncic’s and Irving’s returns, Grimes’ emergence could offer a new dimension to the team’s offense moving forward.

What’s Next

After facing each other Monday, the Mavericks return home to start a four-game homestand against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. The Grizzlies, looking to end their slide, will hope for reinforcements soon as they continue to grapple with injuries.

The matchup offers both teams a chance to find solutions amid adversity, but with their key stars absent, the game is likely to hinge on the performances of their secondary players.