Dallas Mavericks vs Memphis Grizzlies

The FedExForum in Memphis will host the Dallas Mavericks against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, 7 November 2025, with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Both teams are seeking to gain momentum in the early stages of the NBA Cup group stage, making this matchup critical for establishing confidence and rhythm as the season progresses.

Dallas faces a challenging situation with several key injuries. Kyrie Irving is out for the season with an ACL injury, Dereck Lively II is sidelined with a knee problem, and Dante Exum is unavailable with a knee issue as well. Anthony Davis is listed as doubtful while recovering from a calf strain. To compensate, the Mavericks will lean on P.J. Washington and rookie Cooper Flagg to provide additional minutes in both the frontcourt and guard rotation. Memphis is also impacted by injuries, with Zach Edey, Brandon Clarke, Ty Jerome, and Scotty Pippen Jr. all unavailable. The Grizzlies plan to rely on their young core, including Santi Aldama and Jaylen Wells, along with expanded minutes for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jock Landale.

Tactically, Dallas coach Jason Kidd is focusing on ball movement, spacing, and three-point shooting to offset their frontcourt deficit. The team will attempt quicker possessions and aggressive perimeter play to compensate for the absence of Davis and Lively. Memphis Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo will emphasize faster pace and aggressive transitions when possible, exploiting mismatches in the half-court and relying on Jaren Jackson Jr. and his wings to create scoring opportunities, while also tightening defense to limit Dallas’s three-point efficiency.

Pre-game media coverage emphasizes the contrast between the two teams’ situations. Dallas has struggled through early-season injuries and a losing record, and the focus is on whether their young players can step into larger roles. Memphis is seen as healthier and more cohesive but must prove it can capitalize on home-court advantage and close out games effectively. Analysts suggest that while Dallas could pull an upset with efficient perimeter shooting, Memphis holds the edge if they execute their game plan and maintain defensive discipline.

Studio analysts are projecting a Memphis win but note that Dallas has potential to surprise if their younger players perform at a high level early. Discussions are centered on whether Cooper Flagg can make a meaningful impact under pressure, how the Mavericks will secure rebounds without key frontcourt players, and whether the Grizzlies’ young wings and Jaren Jackson Jr. can produce enough offensively while defending the three-point line. Analysts agree that Memphis’s home court and slightly healthier roster make them favorites, but Dallas has opportunities if they hit early shots and control tempo.