After an action-packed first set of games in the play-in tournament, the Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks play a win-or-go-home game.
The Mavericks have had a roller-coaster season, but are still one win away from a round-one matchup against the Thunder. They had been limping into the play-in game with four losses out of their last five games but found a way against the Kings as underdogs.
On the other hand, the Grizzlies had a much better season than the Mavericks, finishing 48-34. However, they also had a very turbulent last month of the season. The Grizzlies fired their coach Taylor Jenkins, with nine games left in the regular season. Since the coaching change, the Grizzlies have had a 4-5 record, which is concerning going into their final play-in game.
How Mavs Got Here
Led by Anthony Davis and a throwback, vintage Klay Thompson shooting performance, the Mavericks fended off the Kings, 120-106, in a game on the road.
The Mavericks role players were vital down the stretch.
Daniel Gafford showcased his range on defense with two blocks and easily defended the paint.
Dante Exum not only facilitated exceptionally, but also knocked down shots when needed.
Brandon Williams played an efficient game from 3-point range and at the free-throw line. He finished with 17 points and 3-of-4 from 3-point range.
The loss of Kyrie Irving for the season to injury, along with the fallout of the Luka Doncic trade consistently played out in the media, the Mavericks did a great job of weathering the storm and just playing solid team basketball.
Davis is the Mavericks’ expected leader, but Thompson’s throwback Warriors-like performance gives the fans a glimmer of hope going into Friday’s game at Memphis.
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) April 17, 2025
How Grizzlies Got Here
After a 121-116 loss to the Warriors, the Grizzlies are now equipped to win a home game against the Mavericks. The Grizzlies come in as the favorites.
Led by Jaren Jackson Jr., Ja Morant, and Desmond Bane, the Grizzlies are a great defensive team. They also have great range and explosiveness on offense. Jackson Jr. is one of the NBA’s premier defenders, and his skillset will be needed to clinch a playoff berth against the top seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
Morant’s ability to get to the rim and create offense makes him one of the elite point guards in the NBA. Bane’s exceptional shooting ability and play off the ball allows the Grizzlies’ offense to run smoothly and he defends the pick-and-roll well.
These three key players have been the heartbeat of the squad all season and will surely be the key to the Mavs’ defensive game-plan.
7-0 run to end the first. Stay 🔒
END Q1 | MEM 25, GSW 31 pic.twitter.com/MqCq7jAJGZ
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) April 16, 2025
Keys To The Game
The Grizzlies lead the season series against the Mavericks 2-1, but this game will feel a lot different with the new-look Mavericks roster and a newly coached Grizzlies team.
The Grizzlies’ keys to the game will be limiting Davis on the glass, utilizing the double team, and letting the Mavericks beat them from 3-point range. The Mavericks rank 26th in the league in 3-pointers made per game, at 12.4 made per game. This game plan will allow the Grizzlies to protect the paint and let the Mavericks’ try to beat Dallas from the outside.
The Mavericks’ biggest key to the game will be high-press defending and quick switching on pick-and-roll defense. The Grizzlies are an excellent offensive team, but prone to turnovers, averaging 15 turnovers per game and ranking 28th in the NBA.
The Mavericks need to use the momentum from their first play-in game and remain confident in their shooting ability, even though they have struggled at times this season.
PREDICTION
My Prediction for the final Western Conference play-in game is a 115-110 win by the Memphis Grizzlies. The Mavericks will keep it close and cover the spread (-6.5), but the Grizzlies’ offense will be too tough to handle for the Mavericks’ defense down the stretch.
Player of the Game Prediction: Desmond Bane
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