The Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies will battle for the final Western Conference playoff spot tonight at FedExForum, with a first-round meeting against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder on the line.
Dallas advanced with a 120-106 win over the Sacramento Kings in the 9 vs. 10 matchup, while Memphis fell short against the Golden State Warriors, 121-116, in the 7 vs. 8 game.
With both teams facing elimination, injuries could play a decisive role in the outcome.
The Mavericks will be without Kyrie Irving, who remains sidelined following left knee surgery.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper is also ruled out due to right wrist surgery, reducing Dallas’ depth at forward.
Brandon Williams is listed as probable with a left oblique strain and is expected to suit up if cleared in warmups.
Anthony Davis is also probable despite dealing with a left adductor strain, according to the team’s official report.
Memphis, which won the regular season series 3-1 against Dallas, enters the game with its own injury concerns.
Ja Morant is listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain after missing significant time this season. However, he was confident that he will play following the Golden State game.
Brandon Clarke will remain out due to a right knee PCL sprain, limiting the Grizzlies’ frontcourt options.
Jaylen Wells is unavailable as well, recovering from a wrist sprain and still in the concussion protocol following facial lacerations.
The Grizzlies’ dominant 132-97 road win in their last meeting with Dallas will be fresh in mind, but the postseason stakes present a different scenario.
Memphis, meanwhile, could lean heavily on Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. if Morant is unable to play or is limited.
The winner of tonight’s game will secure the No. 8 seed and a playoff berth against an Oklahoma City squad that finished with the best record in the NBA at 68-14.
