NBA fans are currently staring at a Western Conference standings page that looks like it was generated by a random number machine. As of mid-January 2026, the Memphis Grizzlies vs Dallas Mavericks matchup has morphed from a star-studded highlight reel into a gritty survival test. Honestly, if you told a fan two years ago that a game between these two would be headlined by Santi Aldama and Naji Marshall while Ja Morant and Luka Doncic watched from the sidelines, they’d probably ask if you were feeling okay.
But here we are.
The Grizzlies currently sit at 17-23. The Mavericks are right there in the mud with them at 16-26. It’s not exactly the "Clash of Titans" the league office was hoping for when they scheduled these teams for primetime. Yet, there’s something fascinating about how these two squads have collided this season.
The Injury Bug Isn't Just Biting; It’s Feasting
You can't talk about the Memphis Grizzlies vs Dallas Mavericks rivalry right now without mentioning the training room. It’s basically a VIP lounge at this point.
Dallas is currently missing some of the biggest names in the sport. Kyrie Irving is out indefinitely. Dereck Lively II is done for the season after foot surgery. Even the blockbuster addition, Anthony Davis, is sidelined with a hand injury that won't be re-evaluated for weeks. It’s brutal. Imagine trying to build a playoff run when your core is replaced by a "get well soon" card.
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Memphis isn't doing much better. Ja Morant is currently out, and the frontcourt is a revolving door of 10-day contracts and rookies. Zach Edey and Scotty Pippen Jr. are both dealing with multi-week absences. When these teams met on November 22, 2025, it wasn't a battle of superstars. It was a battle of "Who is that guy wearing number 32?"
What Happened in the Last Matchup?
If you missed the November 22 game, you actually missed a pretty decent scrap. Memphis took that one 102-96. It wasn't pretty. In fact, it was kinda ugly. But for Grizzlies fans, a win is a win, especially when it happens in Dallas.
Santi Aldama was the hero nobody expected. He dropped 20 points, including a driving layup in the final minute that basically broke the Mavericks' spirit. Cam Spencer, who’s been a bright spot for Memphis this year, chipped in 17 points off the bench.
- Final Score: Memphis 102, Dallas 96
- Key Grizzlies Performer: Santi Aldama (20 pts, 8 reb)
- Key Mavericks Performer: Naji Marshall (16 pts, 7 reb)
- The Turning Point: A 6-0 Memphis run in the final 60 seconds.
Earlier in the month, on November 7, Memphis blew the doors off the Mavs 118-104. That was back when Ja Morant was actually on the floor, putting up 21 points and 13 assists. It feels like a lifetime ago.
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The Luka vs. Ja Problem
We all want to see the head-to-head. Luka Doncic vs. Ja Morant is arguably the best individual matchup in the Western Conference when both are healthy. Their career stats against each other are eerily similar. Luka usually averages about 27 points and 7 assists in these games, while Ja counters with high-flying acrobatics and clutch finishes.
The problem? They rarely seem to be healthy at the same time lately.
When they do play, the styles clash perfectly. Luka wants to slow the game down to a crawl. He hunts switches, backs you down into the post, and uses that 6-foot-8 frame to see over everyone. Memphis, even without Ja, tries to run. They want to turn every Mavericks turnover into a track meet.
Examining the Bench Mob
Since the stars are out, we have to look at the supporting casts. This is where the Memphis Grizzlies vs Dallas Mavericks dynamic gets interesting for die-hard fans.
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Cedric Coward has been a revelation for Memphis. In that November 7 win, he went 3-of-5 from deep and grabbed nine boards. For a guy who wasn't on many people's radars, he’s playing like a seasoned vet. On the Dallas side, rookie Cooper Flagg has shown flashes of why he was the most hyped prospect in years, though even he’s been dealing with the "rookie wall" and minor injuries.
Dallas is currently struggling with shooting efficiency. They’re sitting near the bottom of the league in three-point percentage (around 33%). In today's NBA, if you can't hit the long ball, you're essentially playing with one hand tied behind your back. Memphis isn't much better, but they compensate by being top-ten in offensive rebounding. They miss a shot, they go get it. It’s the "Grit and Grind" DNA that never seems to leave that building.
What to Watch for in the February 27 Rematch
The two teams are scheduled to meet again on February 27, 2026. If you're looking at the betting lines or planning to watch, here’s what actually matters:
- The Pace of Play: Dallas is dead last in transition defense. If Memphis can get Jaylen Wells and Cam Spencer running the wings, they’ll get easy buckets before the Mavs can even set their defense.
- The Battle of the "Others": Keep an eye on Jaren Jackson Jr. He’s the one constant for Memphis. If he stays out of foul trouble, he can take over a game defensively.
- The "Anthony Davis" Factor: If AD is back by late February, the entire geometry of the court changes for Dallas. Without him, they have zero rim protection.
Honestly, the Memphis Grizzlies vs Dallas Mavericks games in 2026 aren't about who has the better superstar. They’re about who can keep five healthy players on the floor long enough to build a rhythm.
Actionable Strategy for Fans and Bettors
If you're following this matchup closely, stop looking at the names on the jerseys and start looking at the injury reports 30 minutes before tip-off.
- Watch the "Under": Both teams have struggled with scoring consistency this season. Their last two meetings stayed well under the projected totals.
- Rebounding Margins: Memphis lives and dies by second-chance points. If the Mavs can’t secure defensive boards (which they haven't been doing), Memphis will win through sheer volume of shots.
- Roster Stability: Check if Ty Jerome or Brandon Clarke are back for Memphis. Their return would stabilize a second unit that has been wildly inconsistent.
Keep an eye on the official NBA injury report. In 2026, the winner isn't the team with the most talent; it's the team with the shortest injury list.