For the third time this month, the Jazz (14-27, 13th in West) and Mavericks (16-26, 12th in West) will face off. Neither of these teams look the part of a postseason contender. Still, this is the NBA; these rebuilding squads have several youngsters looking to make their mark. Given the familiarity between both sides, this could be a nail-biter.
Who has the edge during tonight’s Western Conference showdown? Here’s my preview, prediction, and pick for Saturday’s Utah Jazz vs. Dallas Mavericks matchup.
The Mavericks are 3.5-point favorites (-108) over the Jazz on DraftKings Sportsbook. Dallas is favored at -155 on the moneyline. The total for this contest is set at 241.5 points.
Jazz vs. Mavericks prediction, preview
Injuries abound for each team heading into this one. For the visitors, leading scorer Lauri Markkanen (illness) has already been ruled out. Although the Jazz have several other capable offensive players, losing a two-time All-Star is a major blow. Expect even more responsibility than usual for Keyonte George. The Baylor alum has broken out this season, emerging as one of the sport’s pre-eminent stat-stuffers. Through 40 games, George is averaging 23.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists. He’s done so on respectable 46/36/91 shooting splits, as well.
It’s not just George that’s helped the Jazz look more competitive this season. Four other players on this roster are putting up at least ten points per game. However, getting buckets hasn’t been the problem in Salt Lake City; it’s stopping the other side from doing so. Utah has coughed up an NBA-worst 127.4 points per game to opponents. The season-long absence of center Walker Kessler (shoulder) has left this group without a legitimate rim protector.
If there was ever a spot for this Jazz defense to step up, it’s on Saturday. As previously mentioned, Dallas is dealing with injury issues of its own. Anthony Davis (hand) will miss at least six weeks. Cooper Flagg (ankle) and center Daniel Gafford (ankle) are doubtful to play tonight. Forward P.J. Washington (personal/ankle) has been ruled out. That’s a ton of firepower missing from an already suspect roster. The Mavericks are putting up 113.6 points per game, seventh-fewest in all of basketball.
Assuming Flagg and Gafford sit, this Dallas offense should revolve around some combination of Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson and Max Christie. If you’re uninspired by those names, it’s for good reason. Granted, the Mavs managed to score a whopping 144 points on Thursday against Utah, without both Flagg and Davis. Still, that feels like more of an outlier right now. Dallas failed to notch more than 114 points in any of their seven prior contests. Even against feeble competition, it’s difficult to trust an extremely short-handed offense.
Jazz vs. Mavericks pick, best bet
Given who is absent on Saturday, it’s virtually impossible to trust either club. Throw all the season-long stats out the window without All-Stars Markkanen and Davis in action. George is the best player on the court, but this matchup will take place at Dallas’ American Airlines Center. At this point, the safest bet might be to fade both of these offenses. Expect less points than usual for both of these bottom feeders.
