Ja Morant's triumphant return to the court marked a pivotal moment for the Memphis Grizzlies as he scored 31 points, leading them to a 122-111 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. This win not only broke a four-game losing streak but also repositioned Memphis in the competitive landscape of the Western Conference. Morant's performance came on the heels of a shoulder injury, showcasing his determination despite shooting struggles from beyond the arc.

Desmond Bane contributed significantly with 27 points and 16 rebounds, while rookie Zach Edey made an impact with his rebounding efforts. The Grizzlies, now 38-24, are fighting for playoff positioning and face a series of favorable matchups against struggling teams like the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz. In contrast, the Mavericks' playoff hopes dimmed further with the loss, complicating their quest for a play-in spot.

Ja Morant's return from a shoulder injury energized the Memphis Grizzlies as he scored 31 points, leading them to a much-needed 122-111 victory against the Dallas Mavericks, halting a four-game losing streak. This win boosts Memphis' playoff positioning as they fight for a top seed in the Western Conference, currently sitting at 38-24. Desmond Bane shone alongside Morant, adding 27 points and securing 16 rebounds.

The Grizzlies will now face weaker teams, giving them a prime opportunity to gain momentum. Despite injuries to key Mavericks players like Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, Dallas put up a resilient fight. Their playoff aspirations are dwindling, but head coach Jason Kidd emphasizes teamwork over star power as they adapt to their current roster dynamics.

Impacting a basketball game can come from various avenues. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander exemplifies this by scoring consistently, while Isaiah Hartenstein showcased his impact through a dominant 15-rebound performance against the Memphis Grizzlies. Conversely, Lu Dort's modest scoring night of three points on 1-of-7 shooting belies his substantial contributions, evidenced by a remarkable plus-minus of +35, the highest of the game.

Dort's defensive efforts were pivotal, as he took on the challenging task of guarding Desmond Bane, who struggled against the Thunder's defense, shooting only 35.7%. Despite the low offensive output, Dort's overall presence was invaluable to OKC's strategy, emphasizing the Thunder's depth as they approach the playoffs.

The Memphis Grizzlies have embraced a new offensive system that emphasizes fluid movement and spatial awareness, moving away from traditional pick-and-roll strategies. Jaren Jackson Jr. expressed initial concerns about the complexity of the system, while Scotty Pippen Jr. questioned how it would benefit him as a point guard reliant on pick-and-roll plays.

Training camp revealed that players needed to learn how to cut and relocate effectively without set plays. Despite Jackson's hamstring injury limiting his participation, teammates quickly adapted, showing impressive execution of the new offense. This shift has contributed to the Grizzlies' strong performance, scoring 118 points per 100 possessions, marking their best offensive efficiency in years.

Building a winning DFS lineup on FanDuel for tonight's NBA slate requires attention to injuries and emerging players. Key injuries have forced teams to utilize backups, creating new opportunities for high-value plays. Desmond Bane, priced at $8.2K, is a strong pick after a recent triple-double performance, especially with Ja Morant's status uncertain. Kyle Filipowski stands out as a budget option, poised for significant minutes against a weak Washington defense. The Kings' Jonas Valanciunas also merits attention, having stepped up in Sabonis’ absence. Pivoting to tournament options, Ivica Zubac, fresh off a dominant game, faces a favorable matchup against the Pistons. With key players resting, Keyonte George and Shaedon Sharpe are poised for increased roles. Lastly, value plays like Luke Kennard and Bub Carrington could be game-changers based on their current form.