Gameday Preview: Mavericks vs. Grizzlies Summer League Showdown
The Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies, two teams expected to compete for Southwest Division supremacy in the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season, will first meet in a Summer League matchup on July 15 in Las Vegas. While the game may lack star power, it is a great showcase of emerging talent.
Fans can catch the action at Cox Pavilion, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. Central Time. The game will air on ESPNU and stream on ESPN+. The Mavericks enter with a 0-1 record and the Grizzlies at 1-0, so both teams will be hungry for a win in this compelling summer showcase.
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A notable absence is two-time National Player of the Year Zach Edey, the Grizzlies' No. 9 pick, sidelined with an ankle injury. Despite these omissions, basketball enthusiasts have reason to tune in, as the contest features promising young players eager to make their mark.
For Dallas, all eyes will be on Olivier Maxence-Prosper, their first-round selection from the 2023 NBA Draft. Maxence-Prosper aims to bounce back from a challenging shooting performance in the Mavs' Summer League opener against Utah, where he managed 11 points on 2-for-11 shooting.
On the Memphis side, GG Jackson commands attention. The electric scorer showed flashes of his potential as a rookie but struggled with efficiency in the Grizzlies' previous Summer League game against Sacramento, going 5-17 from the field. With a rotation spot likely awaiting him in the regular season, Jackson will be looking to fine-tune his game and impress the coaching staff.
This matchup provides an excellent opportunity for both teams to evaluate their young talent and for players to stake their claim for more significant roles in the upcoming season. While it may not have the intensity of a regular-season divisional clash, the Summer League setting allows for a glimpse into the future of these Southwest Division rivals.
