Dallas Mavericks vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction: Will the visitors extend their winning streak?

In one of the main games of the next game day in the NBA, Dallas will meet Memphis on its floor. The Grizzlies are undefeated so far, but the Mavericks are considered the favorites. Will the visitors be able to extend their winning streak?

The Mavericks made it to the Western Conference Finals unexpectedly enough last season and they should be even stronger now. Yes, Jalen Brunson left, but Spencer Dinwiddie, who looked good in the postseason, is enough of a first star under Luka Dončić. Christian Wood was a major acquisition, and Dallas now has several big-man throwers at once: Wood, Kleber and Bertans. Tim Hardaway Jr. is back from injury, but he needs time to regain his confidence after a long break. Hardaway still has moments where the ball almost falls out of his hands, his coordination is sometimes lacking. One of the club's few young players, Josh Green, has started to get more playing time, but Jaden Hardy is not in the rotation yet. Frank Ntilikina is on the injured list as well as Dāvis Bertāns, while Facundo Campazzo can be back in action for the game against Memphis.
Jason Kidd's team led by as many as 22 points against Phoenix in the regular season opener, but ultimately lost by a score of 105-107. Dončić's long-range shots were poor that night, but the Slovenian playmaker constantly pressured his opponent into foul trouble and was very effective in transitions.Christian Wood played well, and Bullock and Dinwiddie also shot well from behind the arc. Wood, by the way, started the game on the bench and he was one of the few bright spots among the reserves. Josh Green, JaVale McGee and Maxi Kleber had 3 three-pointers, although they played plenty of time.

The Grizzlies once again have to find internal reserves to make up for the absence of their starting five players. The team will be without Jaren Jackson Jr. for a long time, but the Bears have a surprising solution to that as well. Santi Aldama became one of the big revelations of the regular season, averaging 13 points in 2 games. Desmond Bane is still out of shape after a successful preseason, and now Ja Morant is carrying the team on his shoulders. With 41.5 points and 8.5 assists he's made a strong case for being the league's most valuable player. The young playmaker has worked on his weaknesses and has improved his shooting from behind the arc. The most vulnerable position is a small forward. Dillon Brooks' participation is still under question, and Brooks' potential replacement, Ziaire Williams, is also on the injured list.
After a tough win over New York, Taylor Jenkins' team beat Houston 129-122 away. Newcomers Jake Larrabee and David Roddy did well from beyond the arc and Tyus Jones and John Konchar also contributed with some three-pointers. Ja Morant was unstoppable that night as the Grizzlies' leader made 17 of 26 shots and added 8 assists to the 49 points.

Memphis has yet to face any serious playoff contenders and it had trouble defensively even against Houston. The return of Dillon Brooks could fix some of the deficiencies, but without Jaren Jackson Jr. the defense will still be slacking. Dallas works hard in their own half, and they didn't give Phoenix much room to turn around, by closing Chris Paul. Luka Dončić can shoot better from behind the arc, Kleber and Hardaway, Jr. should be able to find their form and the Mavericks are considered the favorites in this game for a reason.