Mavericks vs. Grizzlies: Game 25 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (14-10) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (10-14)
Dec. 18, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 10

2013-14 Matchups
Nov. 2 at Dallas
Mavs 111 Grizzlies 99

All-Time Series
Mavs 53 Grizzlies 18

Team Ranks
Mavs
Offense: 9th (107.3)
Defense: 17th (105.8)
Grizzlies
Offense:21st (103.3)
Defense: 24th (107.4)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Dejuan Blair
Grizzlies
PG: Jerryd Bayless
SG: Tony Allen
SF: Tayshuan Prince ?
PF: Zach Randolph
C: Kosta Koufos

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.0
RPG: Blair, 7.5
APG: Ellis, 5.6
PER: Nowitzki, 23.3
Grizzlies
PPG: Conley, 18.2
RPG: Randolph, 9.6
APG: Conley, 6.3
PER: Conley, 21.5

Notes
The Grizzlies have been decimated by injuries and will be without Marc Gasol (knee sprain) and probably Mike Conley (thigh contusion). In addition Mike Miller (ankle) and Tayshuan Prince (knee) were hurt in last night's Memphis loss to the Lakers. Meanwhile the Mavs will welcome back Dirk Nowitzki and Rick Carlisle after both missed Saturday night's game due to illness. Jose Calderon has hit at least three 3 points in 6 of his last 7 games. Due in large part by the extended absence of Gasol, last year's league defensive player of the year, the Grizzlies have dropped from having the second best defense in the NBA last season on a per 100 possession basis  to 24th this season.