How To Watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies: Cooper Flagg Faces Ja Morant In NBA Cup Group Play

Grant AfsethNovember 7, 2025November 7, 2025no comment

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks continue their early-season road stretch on Friday night when they face the Memphis Grizzlies in their first NBA Cup game of the season. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CT at FedEx Forum in Memphis, with local coverage on KFAA-29 and MavsTV Stream, and radio broadcasts on KEGL 97.1 FM The Eagle and 99.1 FM Zona MX (Spanish).

The Mavericks (2–6) enter the matchup looking to snap a three-game skid following Wednesday’s 101–99 home loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Grizzlies (3–6) return home after a 117–112 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers. Friday marks the first Group B game for Dallas in the NBA Cup, which also features the Clippers, Lakers, Pelicans, and Grizzlies.

How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Date: Friday, Nov. 8
Time: 7:00 p.m. CT
Location: FedEx Forum — Memphis, TN
TV: KFAA-29, MavsTV Stream
Radio: KEGL 97.1 FM The Eagle; 99.1 FM Zona MX (Spanish)

Dallas Mavericks Injury Report

Anthony Davis: Doubtful (Left Calf)
Dereck Lively II: Out (Right Knee)
Kyrie Irving: Out (Left Knee Surgery)
Dante Exum: Out (Knee)

Head coach Jason Kidd said Dereck Lively II continues to progress through on-court work and could return next week, while Anthony Davis remains day-to-day after missing the past three games. Kyrie Irving and Danté Exum will remain sidelined, leaving the Mavericks short in the backcourt rotation.

Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report

Brandon Clarke: Out (Knee)
Zach Edey: Out (Ankle Surgery)
Ty Jerome: Out (Calf)
Scotty Pippen Jr.: Out (Left Big Toe)

P.J. Washington Emerging as a Two-Way Leader

P.J. Washington has been the Mavericks’ steadiest contributor this season, averaging 15.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and a team-high 34.6 minutes per game. His combination of strength and versatility has made him invaluable to Jason Kidd’s lineup adjustments.

“He’s playing unbelievable,” Kidd said. “He’s been playing at an All-Star level. He’s playing the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 — he’s guarding everybody and trying to help the team win.”

Washington has notched back-to-back double-doubles, including 15 points and 11 rebounds in the loss to New Orleans. Kidd credited his improved strength and finishing ability to offseason work in the weight room.

“He’s taken full advantage of his strength against smaller guards, taking the hit and getting and-ones,” Kidd said.

Washington’s leadership extends beyond production. He’s embraced mentoring 18-year-old rookie Cooper Flagg, who’s quickly earned respect for his maturity and poise.

“I feel like I can be a mentor to Cooper and just help him as much as I can,” Washington said.

Cooper Flagg echoed that sentiment: “I love playing with P.J. He’s a competitor — a fierce competitor. He’s always making the right play. It’s been so much fun to play with P.J.”

Cooper Flagg’s Growth Continues Despite Dallas Mavericks’ Struggles

Cooper Flagg led Dallas in scoring for the first time Wednesday, finishing with 20 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. His 15-foot runner in the final seconds narrowly missed, sealing the Mavericks’ third straight defeat.

“He’s definitely growing each time he’s on the floor,” Kidd said. “He had a great look at the end that just didn’t fall.”

Flagg, who shifted from point guard to small forward, said the new lineup featuring D’Angelo Russell at point guard offered improved spacing at times, though the team still lacked offensive organization.

“When we’re spaced and running what we practice, we get the right shots and enough room to create,” Flagg said. “We just have to keep working on that.”

Despite the 2–6 start, Flagg has remained level-headed.

“For me, it’s the most I’ve lost since, I think, ever,” he said. “It’s obviously a lot different. But I wouldn’t say anybody’s happy. Hopefully, we can start making steps in the right direction.”

Klay Thompson Adjusting to Bench Role for the Dallas Mavericks

Wednesday’s game also marked the first time since signing with Dallas that Klay Thompson came off the bench. Kidd made the change to add playmaking to the starting group by inserting D’Angelo Russell at point guard.

“I talked to Klay and asked, ‘This isn’t a permanent thing, but can you come off the bench?’ And he was good with it,” Kidd said. “I thought him coming off the bench gave us a spark.”

Thompson responded with 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting (3-of-6 from deep) in 21 minutes, notching his 2,000th career assist in the process.

Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies Seek Stability Amid Turbulence

Memphis continues to navigate internal struggles centered around Ja Morant, who was suspended last week for conduct detrimental to the team following an exchange with coach Tuomas Iisalo. Morant, who admitted to losing his “joy for the game,” leads the Grizzlies with 20.0 points and 7.3 assists per game but is shooting just 39.8 percent from the field.

Jaren Jackson Jr. (17.0 points, 5.4 rebounds) and Santi Aldama (11.6 points, 6.8 rebounds) have provided balance, while Cedric Coward has emerged as a third scoring option averaging 14.3 points per game.

What to Watch

This marks the first meeting between the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies this season and the first of Dallas’ NBA Cup group-stage games. The Mavericks will look to rediscover offensive rhythm after shooting just 41.6% from the field and 31.3% from three against the Pelicans.

Max Christie, who’s averaging 11.8 points on 51.9% shooting from deep, has quietly become a key contributor. “I feel like I’m hunting my shot more,” Christie said. “If I can continue to shoot the ball at a high level, we’ll be in good positions.”

The Mavericks’ path forward depends on improving shotmaking and regaining confidence as they await reinforcements. Kidd summed it up succinctly.

“We’re getting great looks — we just bricked a lot of them,” Kidd said. “That’s been the season for us. We’ve got to get others to join the party.”

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Tags :Cooper Flagg Dallas Mavericks Ja Morant Jason Kidd Klay Thompson Max Christie Memphis Grizzlies NBA NBA Cup NBA News P.J. Washington

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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