Mavs at Grizzlies Preview: Ja Morant, Luka Doncic OUT, Kyrie Irving Injury Updates

The Dallas Mavericks face the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedExForum on Monday evening. Ja Morant won't play as he conditions for his return to the court after missing the past eight games due to his suspension.

Where did all the stars go in the big city?

Luka Doncic hasn't played since March 8 against the New Orleans Pelicans, which feels like an eternity ago. Listed as questionable in the NBA's official injury report, the Dallas Mavericks' franchise cornerstone could return to action vs. the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night … but don’t hold your breath. Multiple reports from Mavs shootaround in Memphis hinted at Doncic missing a fifth consecutive game, and he was later ruled out.

On Memphis' side, recently-troubled Ja Morant won't suit up as the team conditions the Nike signature shoe star for an imminent reinstatement following an eight-game suspension. 

Following Kyrie Irving's triumphant performance in California vs. the Los Angeles Lakers, he's also in danger of missing Monday's contest due to foot soreness. The show must go on regardless of the lack of star power for Dallas, though. In the heart of grit-and-grind Memphis, maximum effort earns the stripes, and the Mavs’ young players will have a chance yet another chance to do that on Monday whether Irving plays or not.

Conversely, a consistent defensive effort hasn't reared its head in Dallas for most of the season. Ranked 23rd in defensive rating, it's either the Mavs hit three-point shots, or they find themselves on the wrong side of the win-loss column. This season, the Mavs are 21-14 when they record 15+ three-point shots. Coincidentally, Dallas ranks third in the league with 15.1 three-point conversions a game. 

Speaking of effort, Josh Green and Jaden Hardy must continue accelerating the pace on the court with their limited opportunities. Aggressive Green is good for the team. Dallas is 18-8 when Green scores 10+ points in his Mavs’ career, according to Statmuse's database.

Miles past last season's sixth-best defensive rating mark, Dallas can't afford to go cold from deep, especially if the stars don't play. 

Mavericks at Grizzlies Injury Report

Dallas Mavericks

• Luka Doncic (OUT - thigh)
• Markieff Morris (OUT - knee)
• Kyrie Irving (QUESTIONABLE - foot)
• Tim Hardaway Jr. (QUESTIONABLE - non-COVID illness)

Memphis Grizzlies

• Ja Morant (OUT - conditioning)
• Steven Adams (OUT - knee)
• Brandon Clarke (OUT - achilles
• Vince Williams Jr. (OUT - shoulder)
• Jaren Jackson Jr. (QUESTIONABLE - calf)

RECORDS: Dallas Mavericks (36-35), Memphis Grizzlies (43-27)

WHEN: Monday, Mar. 20, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. CT.

WHERE: FedExForum (Memphis, TN)

TV: Bally Sports Southwest, NBA TV

RADIO: 97.1 The Freak

ODDS: The Mavs are three-point underdogs to the Grizzlies.

NEXT UP: The Mavs host the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. CT.

LAST WORD: Not to negate all that is negative with Irving in the past, but his on-court leadership in his new environment is shining, especially in closing moments for the Mavs. Maxi Kleber, the recipient of Irving's game-winning assist, spoke highly of the 2016 NBA champion. 

"He's very experienced, very calm, you know, he knows how to talk to people, where to set up people, sees the strength in players, and knows what he expects them to do," Kleber said of Irving in late-game situations.

Kleber continued, "He has always positive spirits, uplifting words, and all that. I'm very appreciative to be able to play with him. I learn a lot from just like his body language, the way he interacts with his teammates, and just a great character guy."

Redemption, indeed, is a beautiful thing.

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