Rarely should an NBA game be phrased as a must-win opportunity in November. Teams are still figuring out their rosters and getting an idea for which lineup combinations work best.

After a 3-6 start, unusual locker room vibes and a daunting schedule on the horizon, the Memphis Grizzlies are in need of a win against the struggling Dallas Mavericks.

Memphis has its own struggles, currently going through a four-game losing streak. That streak has also included a one-game Ja Morant suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.

Morant hasn’t played his best basketball of late. Over the last three games, Morant is shooting 28.6% from the field while averaging 14.3 points and 8.3 assists.

Grizzlies co-star Jaren Jackson Jr. has also been less than stellar. He’s coming off a nine-point performance on six shot attempts in a Nov. 5 loss to the Houston Rockets.

Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said it’s “definitely” a priority to get Jackson more involved going forward.

Dallas entered the season expected to have one of the NBA’s best frontcourts, but a couple of those players will be missing against Memphis. Dereck Lively is out with a right knee sprain. There’s a chance Mavs star Anthony Davis could play, but he’s listed as doubtful due to a left calf sprain. Davis has missed the last three games.

As much as Memphis has struggled, Dallas may be in a worse position. The Mavs are averaging an NBA-low 106.3 points per game. The absence of star point guard Kyrie Irving, who is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered last season, is a big reason for those struggles.

The Mavs drafted Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and he’s gradually improved with each game. He’s scored at least 15 points in three of his last four games.

Memphis has won its last three meetings against the Mavs. Dallas holds a 76-39 lead in the all-time series.

Follow along for live updates from The Commercial Appeal.

What time does Grizzlies vs Mavs start?  Date: Friday, Nov. 7Time: 7 p.m. CT  Where: FedExForumWhat TV channel is Grizzlies vs Mavs on today?  TV: FanDuel Sports Network SoutheastStreaming: FanDuel Sports app 

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.