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.

One losing streak will have to end (three games for Dallas, four for Memphis), although a win will not solve the deep-rooted issues for either team. The Mavericks face an existential crisis in the aftermath of a sobering loss to the Pelicans. The Grizzlies are faced with deciding between their star player and their coaching staff, just months after Morant got the previous regime booted.

On the court, these are two of the worst teams in basketball. They are both bottom five in offensive rating, bottom six in net rating, an

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