Utah Jazz Week Two Outlook, Predictions

3 of 5

Apr 11, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Trey Lyles (41) defends against Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

11/2 Utah vs. Dallas

7:00 pm MT – Root Sports/League Pass

Opponent record: 0-3

Season series: Tied 0-0

The Dallas Mavericks currently sit at a deceiving 0-3 record after dropping their season opener in overtime on the road against the Indiana Pacers and losing back-to-back games against the Rockets. Sunday’s loss came in heartbreaking fashion as James Harden was fouled driving to the hoop with 0.1 left on the clock and hit a game winning free throw to seal the deal.

The Mavericks were without Dirk Nowitzki for the second straight game, but considering that he was a last-second scratch in Sunday’s match-up, it’s likely that he’ll be ready to go for Wednesday’s contest against the Jazz.

It’s a little tough to judge just how good or bad the Mavericks are so far. They lost an incredibly tight game to the Pacers who then looked pathetic in their next two losses, then the Mavs went on to give the Rockets, who earlier lost to the middling Lakers, their first two wins of the season.

Feb 9, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) dribbles as Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) defends during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Based solely on those results, it appears the Mavs may not be all that hot this year. But with all the veteran experience that Dallas boasts, it’s also easy to assume that they’re more dangerous than their current record indicates.

Not to mention, they’ll be going into this match-up with two full days of rest while the Jazz will be traveling back to Salt Lake from San Antonio playing in their second game in as many nights.

I’ve waffled back and forth on my prediction for this game several times. If the Jazz were going into this game as well-rested as Dallas, I’d almost certainly give them the edge, but the back-to-back combined with Dallas’ seemingly consistent success over Utah (they won the series 2-1 last year) makes me a little nervous.

Nevertheless, with Dallas looking down so far this season and Utah having the advantage of playing on their home court, I’ll take them in this one that will likely be a dogged, grind-it-out kind of affair that will come down to the fourth quarter.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 92, Dallas 87

Home/Jazz News