Tonight the Memphis Grizzlies travel to Dallas to take on the Mavericks in a Group C NBA Cup game. The Grizzlies have a 14-7 record, good for third place in the Western Conference, one game ahead of the Mavs, while Dallas looks to move level with them in the standings.

Memphis’ star player is a point guard Yes Morantwho averages 21.2 points, 9.0 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game. The hyper-athletic lead instigator has struggled with injuries so far this year, but will be healthy for tonight’s game and will provide a unique challenge for Dallas’ defense.

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The other two perimeter players will be from Dallas Desmond Bane and rookie at Washington State Jaylen Wells. Although Bane has struggled with his three-point shot this season, he is usually a constant threat from outside; Wells was fantastic in his first season this season, hitting 39.5% of his attempts from distance.

The preliminary court consists of: Jaren Jackson Jr. And Brandon Clarkeas a rookie center Zach Edey will be sidelined with an ankle sprain. Jackson Jr. is a true pick-and-pop big who can also protect the paint, while Clarke was a reserve power forward who will get the job at the five in Edey’s absence.

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It will be part of the banking unit Santi Aldama, Scottie Pippen Jr., Jake LaRaviaAnd Luke Kennard. The Grizzlies typically have a fairly large rotation, sometimes as many as 14, although injuries do happen Vince Williams Jr., GG Jacksonand the above-mentioned Edey will get involved.

The Grizzlies have done it all season despite injuries across the board, so Dallas has a legitimate lineup and a very well-coached roster to contend with tonight. To win, they need to keep Morant out of the lane as much as possible and limit Jackson Jr.’s pick-and-pop attempts. To be depressed Naji Marshall is obviously a blow to the Mavericks, but even without him, this game will likely come down to guarding the game between the two Luka Doncic and Morant.

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