Utah Jazz vs Dallas Mavericks Betting Line
The Utah Jazz (17-7) visit the Dallas Mavericks (18-4) in a huge Western Conference match-up on Saturday night. Utah had ripped off eight wins in a row until Dallas came in blew them out by 12 points last Friday. The rematch in Big D at the American Airlines Arena should prove interesting. The Mavericks are favored by 5 at Sportsbook.com and Players Only. The over/under is 192. Tip-off is 8:30 pm ET.
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Jazz vs Mavericks Game Preview
For Utah, the NBA schedule makers have not been kind. The Jazz were scheduled to play against Miami, Orlando and Dallas all in a row – a rough three game stretch. Not to mention these three games take place in four days. Although two of the games were at home, these are games that will wear a team down physically, which could have an impact on the Jazz Saturday night.
Guard Deron Williams leads the Jazz in scoring (21.8 ppg), assists (10.0 pg) and steals (1.35 pg). The lightning quick point guard distributes mainly to Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap and Andrei Kirilenko. Each average 11+ per game thanks to Williams. Don’t count out CJ Miles off the bench and Raja Bell who is capable of a big night anytime.
Utah is ranked in the top half of the NBA in both scoring and fewest points allowed per game but falls near the bottom (21st) in rebounding. The Jazz need consistent inside play from Jefferson to make a serious run at the conference title, plus they need to figure out how to beat the mighty Mavericks.
Dallas is never taken too seriously although they put up impressive numbers year in and year out. They sport the league’s fourth best defense, are ranked in the top ten in assists and rebounds per game, and have a 18-4 record – second only to San Antonio. To make things worse on the Jazz, the Mavericks are also on an eleven game win-streak. Mark Cuban is a happy man right now.
With all of that said, Dallas has struggled at times – a reflection of their star player Dirk Nowitski. The perennial All-Star power forward again leads the team averaging 25 points a game but is streaky in his shooting. He is having a career year in field goal percentage and three-point percentage while his minutes are down. In some games he’ll go for 42 points and in others he can be held in check for 17.
This year, Nowitski’s supporting cast is helping to ease the burden. Jason Terry, Caron Butler and Shawn Marion combine for 40+ points a night while Jason Kidd shows he cans till run a team. The wily veteran averages 8 points, 5 boards and 9 assists every game.
Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks Betting Tips & Prediction
The Jazz may have upset on their mind and Dallas does lose at home (3 of their 4 losses have come at home), but not to a key division rival on a Saturday night. The Jazz are likely to be tired coming into this game, and the Mavericks will really want this game at home. I think the Mavericks will cover the spread, but it’ll be a squeeker. I’m going with the Mavericks -5 at Sportsbook.com.
The over/under is 192. I’m taking the over, hoping the Jazz can muster up 94+ while the Mavericks take advantage of a tired Jazz defense and put up 100 or more.
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