The Utah Jazz are finally back.
In all likelihood, they’ll benefit from the rest they received over the All-Star Break. This team was dealing with a rash of injuries throughout January. Last going off, they were turning a corner. Here’s hoping that corner is behind them as they return to action against the Dallas Mavericks.
The Mavericks (35-24) made a splash at this year’s trade deadline, shipping Kristaps Porzingis to the Wizards in exchange for Davis Bertans and Spencer Dinwiddie. On paper, that looks like a downgrade. We’ll see if the sum of their acquisition is greater than its parts in tonight’s action.
Meanwhile, the Jazz (36-22) had a more subtle deadline, acquiring two players that don’t figure to see heavy minutes in Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Juancho Hernangomez. Danny Ainge apparently disagreed with the notion that this team needed a 3-and-D wing.
Luka Doncic may test that theory tonight.
Utah Jazz vs Dallas Mavericks Odds Tonight
According to WynnBet, the Jazz are 6 point favorites to win this contest, and -250 point favorites on the money line. The Mavericks are +200 money line underdogs.
The over/under is presently set at 216.5 points.
Utah Jazz Injury Report
Jared Butler will be absent with an ankle injury, while Rudy Gay’s knee injury has him listed as doubtful.
Utah Jazz Starting Lineup
Quin Snyder will enjoy the luxury of starting his regular group tonight. Look for Mike Conley, Donovan Mitchell, Royce O’Neale, Bojan Bogdanovic and Rudy Gobert to be on the floor for the opening tip.
Utah Jazz vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction
The Dallas Mavericks are a formidable opponent that these Utah Jazz cannot take lightly.
For years now, the Mavericks have been known as an offensive juggernaut, and a defensive liability. This year, new Head Coach Jason Kidd has managed to flip that script. This team ranks 16th in Offensive Rating (112.03) and 5th in Defensive Rating (108.83).
Of course, it’s hard to account for how much of that Defensive Rating was owed to Porzingis’s rim protection. That’s effectively why we’re picking the Jazz for this contest.
Besides the fact that the Jazz have been the better team this year, the Mavericks are still dealing with a seismic change. The Jazz, on the other hand, will be running their business as usual. With a fully healthy starting lineup, they’re a safe bet to stave off the transitioning Mavericks in tonight’s action.
Prediction: Jazz 119, Mavericks 110
Utah Jazz vs Dallas Mavericks TV Channel
Fans in Dallas can tune into BallySports SouthWest for this contest, while those in Salt Lake City should tune into AT&T SportsNet RockyMountain.
Utah Jazz Schedule and Next Game
The Jazz will enjoy one day off before a Sunday showdown with the Phoenix Suns on February 27.
After that, things get a little easier. They play the Houston Rockets on March 2, the New Orleans Pelicans on March 4, and the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 6. They’ll double back to the Dallas Mavericks on March 7.