Published on: Jan 14, 2022 11:50 am IST|Updated on: Jan 14, 2022 11:50 am IST
MEM vs DAL Dream11: The NBA produces electric talent each season and well, some rookies develop into star-like players, some others find their groove after playing for multiple seasons. Then there are teams that have experienced stars and yet fail again and again while there are some that push for a title run with only young players. There there are some other teams who fight to their utmost and improve each time but a rough stretch can derail them. Anyway, let us talk about the two teams in Grizzlies and Mavericks who will meet here.
Memphis has been made up of mainly young players, on average around 22-23 years old. The Grizzlies have shown that you can begin with mixed results and pick up your season. This particular squad no matter how they fare in the postseason has left a mark in the heralded history of the NBA. Grizzlies have 30 wins and 14 losses, and right now, they are on an 11-game winning streak. They are only the third team out of the thirty to have won 30 around midseason.
Mavericks have been playing some of their best basketball since late December. They have a highly disciplined defensive disposition and with Luka Doncic as their offensive leader, they are able to bundle up wins. Still, they have had not a stellar season like Grizzlies but trust me, their talent level shows a promise.
Host: Memphis Grizzlies Visitors: Dallas Mavericks Match Timing: 15 January, @ 08:30 AM Venue: Fed Ex Forum
Offensive prowess for Grizzlies, the difference in depth
Grizzlies have won eleven in a row and they have been brushing high-quality teams such as Suns, Warriors, Nets, Cavaliers while they have fielded strong and healthy squads. One aspect that separates the Grizzlies from other teams is that they don’t get rattled even if the other teams make multiple runs and their bench depth looks the most imposing, something I argued when the team held just a 50% win record, you could see this development coming back then. On the other hand, the Mavericks lack such bench resources, and the wing or Center depth is a huge issue.
While it is true that Porzingis, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Dwight Powell all have size and athleticism, while all three can be effective on the defensive but the team lacks a substantial wing. The Grizzlies have Brooks(Out for a month), Anderson, Clarke, and Konchar at the wing, which means some incredible depth. At guard positions, Luka Doncic, Hardaway jr., and Brunson are terrific isolation scorers but the Grizzlies have Morant and Bane, who can both score 20 and more. With Jaren Jackson Jr. and Steven Adams at the big positions, the Grizzlies have a well-rounded squad that can pose problems on both ends. The Grizzlies have a deeper bench and in case of injuries, they can summon some of their starting-level bench players that create a whole lot of difference.
Memphis has won eleven in a row, brushing aside all sorts of squads on the way, elite squads, below 50% win teams, offensive-centric, defensive-centric teams, you name it. Their offense has become more balanced and there can be as many as five players who can score 15 or more(How scary is that!). Mavericks are not having such a luxury, their bench is so-so but yes, their defensive skills can keep them in games. This is why I think the Grizzlies playing on a back-to-back night can find some trouble against the physical Mavericks team. I believe even then Grizzlies have a 60% chance of winning, it is all about that momentum you know!
Dallas Mavericks | Memphis Grizzlies Games: 41| 44 Wins: 22| 30 Defeats: 19| 14
Memphis Grizzlies News
Grizzlies Expected Starting Five Wing: SF: Kyle Anderson Frontline: PF: Jaren Jackson Jr Guards: SG: Desmond Bane PG: Ja Morant SG: Ziaire Williams
BENCH: Jarrett Culver, Tyus Jones, John Konchar, Brandon Clarke, DeAnthony Melton, DeQuan Jeffries, Santi Aldama, Jon Tseke, Dakota Mathias, Killian Tillie.
Dallas Mavericks Team News
Mavericks Expected Starting Five Stretch-Fours: PF: Dorian Finney-Smith PF: Maxi Kleber Middle: C: Dwight Powell Guards: PG: Jalen Brunson PG: Luka Doncic
BENCH: Reggie Bullock, Tim Hardaway Jr., Moses Brown, Marquise Chriss, Theo Pinson, Sterling Brown, Josh Green, Boban Marajanovic, Trey Burke, Carlik Jones.
Ja Morant(MEM) Points: 16 Rebounds: 08 Assists: 09 Morant has become one of the elite guards in the league and has also learned to sacrifice some of his scoring for a better-oriented offense and with different players improving. Morant is scoring in 16-23 points range, grabs 6-9 rebounds, and dishes 8-10 assists these days. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 39-53
Luka Doncic(DAL) Points: 21 Rebounds: 11 Assists: 05 Steals: 02 Luka is one of the best players in the league and yes, it is true that his scoring is done but he is still a threat to close out games when it is crunch time. The Guard has been in the 20-25 points, 8+ rebounds and 8-12 assists range continuously this season. Luka can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Fantasy scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 47-59
Desmond Bane(MEM) Points: 21 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 02 Steals: 04 Desmond has been a wonderful presence at the guard position for the Grizzlies and the 2020 #30 number pick has shown that his four-year experience in college has served him well. Desmond has usually figured in the 20-23 points range these days. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 40-53
Jalen Brunson(DAL) Points: 14 Rebounds: 07 Assists: 06 Jalen is a terrific guard who knows how to switch roles and has been incredibly helpful for the Mavs to maintain a strong attack. He has been in the 14-17 points, 4-10 assists, and 3-5 rebounds range these days. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 33-44
Jaren Jackson Jr.(MEM) Points: 20 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 01 Blocks: 05 Steals: 02 Another scintillating young player who has elevated his game this season and yes, his scoring has been impressive but his defense has been the real deal. The Forward has blocked 5 or more shots twice in a row while figuring in 16-21 points and 5-10 rebounds range constantly. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-59
Tim Hardaway Jr.(DAL) Points: 13 Rebounds: 01 Assists: 03 Steals: 01 Tim is a terrific isolation scorer who has been coming off the bench for Mavs and has created a lot of scoring opportunities. The guard usually figures in the 13-15 points range this season. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 33-42
PG: L Doncic(SP), J Morant(PP) SG: J Konchar SF: D Finney-Smith, K Anderson PF: J Jackson, B Clarke C: M Kleber If you like our Dream11 Prediction Tips, please share this article with your friends, who are also interested in playing Dream11 Fantasy Leagues. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, Telegram, and YouTube for the best Dream11 Fantasy Tips.
This highly enticing contest is available on four different mediums now in India. TV Channels MTV and VH1 are going to broadcast the star-laden affair while streaming platforms Voot and JIO TV will also present this game. And to catch all the games, and if you miss the live stream, their full game replay, you can dip into the NBA League Pass, buy the annual subscription. For the scores, go to the official website of the NBA.