The Dallas Mavericks return to American Airlines Center on Saturday night for the second half of a back-to-back, looking to build on Friday’s 118–115 win over the New Orleans Pelicans — a game defined by Max Christie’s perimeter shooting, Cooper Flagg’s late-game execution, and Dereck Lively II’s carefully managed minutes.

Dallas (5–12) enters the matchup having played 10 games in 16 days, including three back-to-backs and a pair of overtime contests. Fatigue is unavoidable, but the group showed needed composure on Friday, closing out a tight game after weeks of frustrating finishes.

Memphis (5–11) arrives with momentum from a 137–96 blowout of Sacramento — a win highlighted by 42 assists on 50 made field goals and the steady play of rookie Cedric Coward and forward Santi Aldama. The Grizzlies will again be without Ja Morant, who remains sidelined with a calf injury, while Jaren Jackson Jr. is doubtful after twisting an ankle earlier in the week.

How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Date: Saturday, Nov. 22
Time: 7:30 p.m. CST
Location: American Airlines Center — Dallas, TX
TV: KFAA-29, MavsTV Stream
Radio: KEGL 97.1 FM The Eagle; 99.1 FM Zona MX (Spanish)
Tickets: Mavs.com

Dallas Mavericks Injury Report vs. Memphis Grizzlies:

Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report vs. Dallas Mavericks:

Max Christie’s Growth Continues to Shine

Max Christie’s breakout season was on full display Friday night.

The second-year guard drilled five three-pointers and scored a season-best 23 points, boosting his averages to 12.9 points per game on an elite 46.9% from three-point range. Early in the first quarter, after waiting in the weak-side corner for the ball to swing his way, Christie buried a wide-open three — prompting Klay Thompson to rise from the bench with arms raised and fists clenched.

Jason Kidd highlighted how far Christie has come.

“Max had an incredible summer,” Kidd said. “He worked extremely hard on his game and it’s paying off for him. He is shooting extremely well from the corner. I think we’re all surprised if it doesn’t go in.”

Kidd added that the next step in Christie’s evolution will be leveraging hard closeouts to diversify his scoring.

Christie said the key has been trusting his work — and enjoying the feeling of finishing a close game.

“Feels good, for sure,” Christie said. “This is a good feeling for us as a group to be able to close a situation out. It feels good to pull one out and get a win. It was fun.”

Cooper Flagg’s Late-Game Maturity

Cooper Flagg continues to show why the Mavericks trust him in crunch time. Flagg recorded a season-best 29 points, seven rebounds, and five assists against New Orleans, punctuated by two decisive plays: a contested spinning bank shot and a kick-out to Naji Marshall for the go-ahead three.

Jason Kidd praised Flagg’s fearlessness.

“He’s done that for us all season – the big rebounds, a big block, a big basket,” Kidd said. “Clutch, he’s not afraid. For an 18-year-old, that’s pretty special.”

Flagg acknowledged that this season has included more losing than he’s ever experienced, but he’s learning from the veterans.

“That’s one of the biggest things I’ve learned — just being even-keeled all the time,” Flagg said. “Every game we’re saying we need a win, but just trying to push that back and play free out there.”

Flagg is now averaging 16.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 16 games, and 20.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists over his last six.

Dereck Lively II Working Through a Minutes Restriction

Dereck Lively II remains capped at 15 to 18 minutes per game as he continues to work back from offseason foot surgery and an early-season knee sprain. Kidd explained how difficult this phase is.

“Restricted time, the 15 to 18 minutes — I know he feels he can play more,” Kidd said. “This is the hardest part because he wants to help his team in all categories.”

Lively played most of his minutes in the second half Friday, providing strong defensive activity.

Scouting the Memphis Grizzlies

EEven with several key players unavailable, Memphis still presents meaningful challenges. Forward Santi Aldama has been a steady contributor, averaging 13.5 points and 6.7 rebounds, while rookie wing Cedric Coward has added 14.6 points and 6.3 rebounds, emerging as one of the team’s most reliable options.

The Grizzlies played one of their most fluid offensive games of the season in Thursday’s win over Sacramento, generating 42 assists on 50 made field goals. Rookie Vince Williams Jr. took over primary playmaking duties in Ja Morant’s absence and finished with 15 assists, showing strong command of the offense.

For Dallas, the biggest obstacle may simply be the physical and mental fatigue of a grueling schedule. Saturday marks the Mavericks’ tenth game in 16 days, including their fifth contest in seven days.

Still, with strong performances from Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, Naji Marshall, and others, the Mavericks will aim to close the back-to-back on a positive note and secure another much-needed win.

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