Grizzlies v. Mavericks Preview

Colin Rafferty –

Friday! Woo-hoo, it’s the end of the week let’s cap it off with a win! Al Davis said it best when he said, “Just Win Baby.”

At least that is what the Grizzlies will try to do tonight as they will host the Dallas Mavericks for the 2nd Emirates NBA Cup game.

Like I have mentioned before, the Grizzlies aren’t great in NBA Cup games only winning 1 game in the last 2 years.

Zach Edey is expected to return to the Grizzlies in the next few games, when that will be is still unknown.

He is listed as OUT tonight, but there is speculation that is because he could be playing in the Hustle game on Saturday. This would give him an opportunity to get ready for game play.

Today will mark the 6th week, which was the earliest he was set to come back, and the Grizzlies will probably be a little cautious putting him in the rotation unless what they see on Saturday is better than expected.

Still the big man is very close to stepping out on the floor.

I was hopeful that he would be ready to go but I was wrong. I understand taking it a step at a time and maybe the start of the season has me itching to see something new, so I will be patient.

Look if the Grizzlies turn it around and are playing better basketball, and are healthy, by January this will all but be a forgotten moment.

It sucks right now but the season is still early. It just is.

For the Mavericks, they come in with a 3-6 record. They have the lowest points per game but are top 10 points allowed (8th). Their point differential is right behind the Grizzlies at -7.5.

This could be good and could be bad.

The Mav’s are long, play defense, and have guys that are older but are proven scorers in the league. Anthony Davis leads the team in points, rebounds, and steals. While guys like P.J. Washington, Cooper Flagg, and D’Angelo Russell provide extra support scoring.

This will be the first time 1st overall pick Cooper Flagg will be in Memphis, so let’s show him how we do things here.

Let’s pack the Forum, yell loud and proud, and will these Grizzlies to a win. The city, the team, and the river needs it. Just one and we can build from there.

The Grizz will need to have all hands-on deck to deal with this team.

Jaylen Wells, I release you of whatever curse you are under and put nothing put hope and praise back into your game. You got it dude, go out and ball like the city knows you can. We are all waiting.

To the other guys, dig deep and remember it’s always darkest before the dawn. Time to crawl out of the den and remind everyone what Grizzlies basketball is.

Tip-off is at 7 pm CST at FedEx Forum. It’s HBCU Night so get there early as the first 5,000 fans will get a ‘Classic Edition Grizz Hat.’

There will also be an exclusive “Top Notch” Collection by M-Town and 191 Collabs presented by Pinnacle Bank merch drop ONLY at the FedEx Forum tonight. A lot of cool new gear for all Grizz fans.

What’s better than a Friday night with the Grizzlies and Tigers playing games? Nothing that’s what. Remember to get your tickets and as they say at the games… DON’T FORGET TO WEAR THE BEAR!