Memphis Grizzlies (4-13) vs. Dallas Mavericks (11-6)
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Dallas Mavericks 12/1/23 – The American Airlines Center is set to host a captivating NBA showdown on Friday, December 1, 2023, as the struggling Memphis Grizzlies face off against the high-flying Dallas Mavericks. This matchup, featuring contrasting fortunes with Memphis at 4-13 and Dallas at a strong 11-6, promises to be a premium game insight into the resilience and strategies of both teams.
The Memphis Grizzlies have lost four straight games, struggling mightily on both ends of the floor. Their defense has fallen apart, hemorrhaging points inside and allowing over 120 points per game during the skid. Offensively, Memphis continues to miss the production of their injured star Ja Morant. They lack consistent playmaking and have failed to find a rhythm.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks have won three straight, led by Luka Doncic’s MVP-caliber play. Doncic is averaging 34 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists during the winning streak. Dallas’ role players are also stepping up, shooting the ball efficiently and playing tough defense. The Mavs have held opponents under 100 points in back-to-back games.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Dallas Mavericks 12/1/23 Game Info
| When: | Friday, December 1, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | American Airlines Center |
| TV: | |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Desmond Bane (SG) vs. Luka Doncic (PG)
Desmond Bane has done his best to will the Grizzlies to victories in Morant’s absence. He’s averaging over 23 points per game while increasing his playmaking load with 5 assists per contest. However, Bane has been running on fumes lately. His three-point shooting is down to 33% over the last five games as the grind wears on him. Still, he remains Memphis’ top scoring threat and his sharpshooting could catch fire at any time.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic looks determined to take home the MVP trophy this season. He has the Mavs offense running like a well-oiled machine, picking apart defenses with his scoring and playmaking. Doncic is also rebounding at a career-best rate. His improved conditioning allows him to relentlessly attack while still locking in defensively during crunch time. Doncic should dominate his matchup against the weary Bane.
This showdown between Bane and Doncic may end up deciding the game. If Bane can rediscover his efficiency from three it would go a long way toward keeping Memphis competitive. However, all signs point to Doncic continuing his stretch of dominance, especially considering how poorly Memphis has defended high-level guards lately. The reigning Western Conference Player of the Week may be poised for another signature performance.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: Dallas Mavericks -526, Total Odds: 233
The oddsmakers have made the Mavericks double-digit favorites, a rarity against a playoff team from last season. However, Memphis’ lengthy injury report combined with their current four-game skid has damaged their stock. The Grizzlies are severely undermanned, particularly in their frontcourt.
Meanwhile, in addition to Dallas’ three-game winning streak, they have several strong betting trends in their favor. The Mavericks have performed extremely well in recent December games and against divisional opponents. Backing Dallas to cover a sizable but seemingly manageable spread looks like the savvy play.
Memphis Grizzlies Betting Trends
The Grizzlies against the spread (ATS) trends perfectly encapsulate their struggles without Ja Morant. They have failed to cover in four straight and six of their last seven games overall. More specifically against Dallas, Memphis is just 1-7 ATS over the last eight head-to-head matchups. With the Mavericks rolling at home and the Grizzlies reeling on the road, those trends seem likely to continue.
Dallas Mavericks Betting Trends
Conversely, Dallas has several strong betting trends to ride. They have been an over machine lately, with 14 of their last 19 games eclipsing the projected point total. The Mavericks also excel defending their home court, covering four of their last five games in Dallas. And they have a long history of success against divisional foes, going 11-3 ATS over their last 14 games against Southwest division opponents.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Dallas Mavericks 12/1/2023 Betting Picks
Given the betting trends and current trajectories of both teams, the Mavericks seem like a smart play laying 10 points at home against the Ja Morant-less Grizzlies. Memphis is struggling mightily to score while Dallas has found their offensive groove. Our NBA expert selection sees Doncic continuing his blistering stretch as the Mavericks cruise to a comfortable double-digit victory.
Free Pick & Prediction: Dallas Mavericks 118, Memphis Grizzlies 101