5-5! The last 10 games between the Dallas Mavericks and the Memphis Grizzlies have both teams evenly matched. As a result, Luka Doncic and Co. will have to be extra vigilant against their Western Conference peers. After all, this will also decide their fate in the ongoing NBA Cup. Currently 2-1, a win would elevate the Mavs’ status. Unfortunately for them, the Grizzlies are surely putting up a tough fight, against a Dallas side that won’t be competing at full strength.

According to the Dallas Mavericks’ injury report, both Klay Thompson and Naji Marshall continue being ‘out’. This means Thompson will be benched for his 5th consecutive game. Meanwhile, Marshall will once again be absent to fill the small forward role in the former Warrior’s absence. Dereck Lively II’s status has now shifted from ‘out’ to ‘day-to-day’. Unfortunately, he remains questionable and even missed the previous matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. Therefore, no one can guarantee his availability too.

Dante Exum recently underwent surgery to treat his right wrist. He hasn’t played this season and may continue remaining ‘OUT’ through the whole tournament.

Upon the officials announcing Klay as ‘out’ during the games against Atlanta and New York last week, questions arose over the injury he sustained. Soon, doctors revealed he had a left foot plantar fascia. According to reports, they don’t expect the injury to last for a long term. Furthermore, the Mavericks have managed well without the shooter, as they have won all 4 consecutive games in which Thompson was absent! Despite this, a return of the player would go a long way in ensuring that this win streak remains maintained.

Naji Marshall was present during the first half of the Mavericks’ win against the Utah Jazz. However, having developed an illness, he did not return. He did not play in the game against the Portland Trail Blazers, either. Diagnosed with an upper respiratory illness, his final availability date remains under doubt. After Luka Doncic was sidelined because of a wrist injury, the team relied on Marshall for the scoring effort. Therefore, losing him will do no favors when the Mavericks go up against the Grizzlies.

Speaking of the Grizzlies, the Memphis franchise has cause for concern too. Rookie Zach Edey had his name listed on the injury report, under the ‘out’ status, around two weeks ago. Dealing with a left ankle injury, the 22-year-old center will miss his 8th consecutive game now. Vince Williams Jr, who continues his recovery from a Grade 3 Right Ankle Sprain, will miss his 7th, while GG Jackson II will continue his streak of not playing even a single game this season.

In light of this, the teams will have to make adjustments to their starting lineups.

What will the starting lineup and depth chart for the Mavericks-Grizzlies clash look like?

The Dallas Mavericks have benefited from the fact that both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are now back after recovering from their respective ailments. However, given Klay Thompson’s role as a starter and Naji Marshall’s role as KT’s backup, the team will still have to make adjustments. In light of this, Jaden Hardy and Quentin Grimes can once again see an increase in their minutes.

In regard to Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford may start at center for another game. Maxi Kleber can gain from Lively II’s absence too by seeing an increase in his minutes. With these updates, we can expect the starting lineup for the Mavs to look something like this:

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Similarly, looking at the updates for the Memphis Grizzlies, we expect the franchise’s starting lineup to look something like this:

The Dallas Mavericks or Memphis Grizzlies? Who will you be rooting for? Let us know in the comments down below.