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Injuries Sideline Stars: Grizzlies vs. Mavericks Down to Role Players
28 Feb
Summary
- Both Memphis and Dallas are dealing with significant player absences.
- Key offensive players like Ja Morant and Kyrie Irving are out indefinitely.
- Teams will rely on role players due to depleted rosters.
The Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks are scheduled to face each other with identical 21-36 records, each grappling with significant injury concerns that have impacted their season. Both teams find themselves outside the playoff picture and are looking to halt recent losing streaks.
The American Airlines Center will host a game heavily shaped by the absence of numerous key players. Memphis is without Ja Morant due to a left elbow injury, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is out for the season following finger surgery, alongside Santi Aldama (knee) and Zach Edey (ankle). Dallas has ruled out Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II for the season, and Marvin Bagley III is also sidelined with a neck issue. Rookie Cooper Flagg continues to miss time with a foot injury.
With depleted rosters, the focus will shift to the performance of role players and shallower rotations. Memphis is expected to lean on Jaren Jackson Jr. and Cam Spencer, while Dallas will look to Naji Marshall and Khris Middleton. Turnovers could prove decisive, as Memphis averages 15.2 per game and Dallas averages 14.6.
Historically, Dallas leads the all-time regular season series, but Memphis has won both matchups this season. Both teams are coming off recent losses, adding further pressure to this contest where available players will need to carry the load in what is anticipated to be a close game.
