The Dallas Mavericks (2-6) head to Memphis Friday night for their first NBA Cup game against the Grizzlies (3-6). It is a tale of two dysfunctional teams: the Grizzlies, who attempt to make peace with star Ja Morant, and the Mavericks, who attempt to make, well, a shot.

Ja Morant and rookie Cedric Coward scored 21 points each as the Memphis Grizzlies built a big first-half lead and coasted to a 118-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in an NBA Cup game on Friday night.

Preview the Memphis Grizzlies' NBA matchup with Dallas, including betting odds, tips, trends, and game information.

For the Mavericks, they enter Friday’s game with four players listed on their injury report, including star big man Anthony Davis. Dallas has listed Davis as doubtful for Friday’s contest due to a left calf strain that has caused him to miss the last three games for the Mavericks after he suffered the injury against the Indiana Pacers on October 29.

The one good part about the Memphis Grizzlies has been the emergence of rookie Cedric Coward, who has legitimately been good for them, averaging 14.3 PPG and 5.4 RPG. Watching Coward go against Flagg may be the only enjoyable part of this game.

Dallas truly is one of the worst teams in the NBA. The Mavericks’ record indicated that even before Friday night, prior to this Memphis Grizzlies’ 118-104 victory in FedExForum that was more grisly to watch in person than the final score indicated.

The sight of Jaren Jackson Jr. hugging coach Tuomas Iisalo was a welcome one after the Memphis Grizzlies beat Dallas following a tumultuous week.

The Grizzlies need to show Ja Morant true championship contention investment; that starts with trading Kentavious Caldwell-Pope soon.