Memphis @ Dallas preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 22, 2017 ) Dallas 95, Memphis 94

The Memphis Grizzlies haven't won since Jan. 29, and they look to halt their 16-game losing streak when they visit the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. Memphis also struggles mightily on the road as it has dropped its last 13 games away from home and 24 of its past 26.

The Grizzlies shot just 37.3 percent and scored 20 or fewer points in three of the four quarters in Friday's 95-78 home loss to Utah. Memphis' season has been a disaster since losing point guard Mike Conley Jr. early on, and its current skid is the worst since the franchise relocated from Vancouver for the 2001-02 campaign. Dallas is coming off a solid 118-107 victory over Denver that marked only its fourth triumph in the last 18 games. Rookie point guard Dennis Smith Jr. recorded 18 points and a career-best 11 assists for his fifth double-double of the campaign.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Memphis), FS Southwest (Dallas)

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (18-47): Second-round pick Dillon Brooks fell two points shy of his third consecutive 20-point effort as he continues to flash his potential. Brooks is averaging 22.7 points during the three-game stretch - he recorded a season-best 29 against Chicago on Wednesday - and beginning to show that he might be a fixture at small forward. "Anytime you stack one on top of the other, it is a sign of growth for a guy who puts in the work like he does," coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters. "It's great to see it pay off for him."

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (20-45): Backup center Nerlens Noel collected a season-best 14 rebounds in Tuesday's victory over Denver, but the club is holding him out against Memphis due to injury management. Noel played in four consecutive contests after returning from a 42-game absence due to surgery on his left thumb, and Dallas wants to avoid another setback while also getting a long look to decide whether or not the 23-year-old can be a contributor next season. "I don't expect these last 15-16 games to really be too much of a challenge of staying together and preparing," Noel told reporters. "I'm just blessed regardless of what goes on, and I continue to just work hard and follow the path."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Mavericks have won three of their last four meetings with the Grizzlies.

2. Tyreke Evans (rib) will miss his ninth straight game for the Grizzlies, who are 0-16 this season when he sits out.

3. Dallas SG Wesley Matthews (hip) will return from a two-game absence.

PREDICTION: Mavericks 98, Grizzlies 91