Will Dallas complete their comeback story or will Memphis protect their home turf? Everything you need to know about tonight’s Western Conference showdown.
Mavericks vs Grizzlies The stakes couldn’t be higher as the Dallas Mavericks face off against the Memphis Grizzlies tonight, Friday, April 18, in a win-or-go-home NBA Play-In Tournament battle. Tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. CT) live from the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee, and the action will air on ESPN.
This Western Conference clash will decide who grabs the 8th seed and earns a date with the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. The loser? Their season ends tonight.
How to Watch Mavericks vs Grizzlies FREE Without Cable
If you’ve cut the cord but still want to catch every minute of tonight’s game, you’ve got solid options. Here are the top streaming platforms offeringMavericks vs Grizzlies free trials or promotional deals:
- FuboTV – 7-day free trial
- DirecTV Stream – 5-day free trial
- Sling TV – Discounted first month
All of these services carry ESPN, so you’re covered.
Mavericks One Win Away From Redemption
The Dallas Mavericks (40-43) have been on a wild rollercoaster this season. After making the NBA Finals just a year ago, the franchise shook the league by trading away Luka Dončić, their generational superstar. Injuries piled on. Critics doubted. Yet here they are—just one win away from securing a playoff spot.
Mavericks vs Grizzlies Dallas earned their place in this elimination game with a commanding 120-106 victory over the Sacramento Kings in the 9-10 matchup. Anthony Davis, acquired in the blockbuster Dončić trade, is proving his worth at the right time.
Davis vs Kings: 27 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks
With Dallas (10 games): 24.7 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 3.5 APG, 51.6 FG%
Team Record with Davis: 7-3
Veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson also stepped up, scoring 23 points in Sacramento, and showing flashes of his prime form.
But Dallas faces a serious handicap—Kyrie Irving is out with a torn ACL, leaving the backcourt in Thompson’s hands and increasing the pressure on Davis to dominate again.
Grizzlies Fighting to Save a Sinking Season
Meanwhile, Mavericks vs Grizzlies the Memphis Grizzlies (48-35) are hanging on by a thread. What started as a promising campaign took a sharp turn when they fired head coach Taylor Jenkins with just nine games left in the season—even as they held the 5th seed.
Since Jenkins’ departure, Memphis has gone 4-6, including a 121-116 loss to Golden State in the 7-8 Play-In matchup.
Star guard Ja Morant dropped 22 points in that game but left with an ankle injury that has him questionable for tonight.
Morant’s Season Averages: 23.2 PPG, 7.3 APG, 4.1 RPG, 45.4 FG%
Mavericks vs Grizzlies His status looms large. Without Morant, Memphis will need big games from supporting stars like Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Marcus Smart to stay alive.
The Grizzlies do have some confidence heading into the game: they won 3 of 4 games against Dallas in the regular season by an average of 20.3 points—but Anthony Davis didn’t play in any of those.
Injury Report: Who’s In and Who’s Out?
- ✅ Anthony Davis (Mavericks) – Probable with a left adductor strain. Expected to play.
- ❓ Ja Morant (Grizzlies) – Questionable with a right ankle sprain. Game-time decision.
- ❌ Kyrie Irving (Mavericks) – Out for the season (torn ACL).
Game Details
- Matchup: Mavericks vs Grizzlies Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies
- Event: NBA Play-In Tournament – West 8th Seed Game
- Date: Friday, April 18, 2025
- Time: 9:30 PM ET / 8:30 PM CT
- Venue: FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Streaming: FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, Sling TV
Final Thoughts: Do-or-Die Drama in Memphis
Tonight’s game has everything—high stakes, star power, dramatic backstories, and the unpredictable energy of a single-elimination showdown. Will Anthony Davis carry Dallas to the postseason? Or will Memphis ride their home crowd and keep their season alive?
One team moves on. One team goes home.
Grab your snacks, fire up your free stream, and get ready for one of the most intense matchups of the NBA season.
