Utah Jazz (7-13) vs. Dallas Mavericks (11-8)
Utah Jazz vs. Dallas Mavericks 12/6/23 – The struggling Utah Jazz (7-13) face off against the inconsistent Dallas Mavericks (11-8) on Wednesday night. Based on the teams’ current standings and recent play, pro handicapping experts see Dallas favored at home. This clash at the American Airlines Center promises to be a captivating display of talent and strategy.
Utah comes into this matchup having lost 6 of their last 7 games, including 5 straight on the road. Their offense has struggled mightily, failing to top 100 points in 4 of those contests. The Jazz also allow the 6th most points in the NBA, giving up 116.8 per game. For Utah to compete, Lauri Markkanen will need to continue his All-Star level play while getting some secondary scoring help.
Meanwhile, Dallas has continued their up-and-down play so far this season. Since a 4-game win streak in mid-November, the Mavericks have gone just 2-5 while allowing 114 points per game. Their duo of Luka Doncic and Christian Wood has led the 5th best offense in the league, but depth and defensive issues remain. If Dallas can lock in defensively and get a strong home crowd behind them, they should take care of business versus the reeling Jazz.
Utah Jazz vs. Dallas Mavericks 12/6/23 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 8:30 PM ET |
| Where: | American Airlines Center |
| TV: | |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Lauri Markkanen PF vs. Luka Doncic PG
Utah’s Lauri Markkanen has taken a major step forward in his first season with the Jazz, emerging as their unquestioned leader. He’s posting career highs in points (23.7), rebounds (8.7), and minutes (34.1) while anchoring the offense. However, Markkanen has struggled with efficiency during Utah’s losing streak. Getting him back on track is crucial if the Jazz want to compete. He should be able to leverage his size and shooting against Dallas’s small lineups. But Luka Doncic presents a tough defensive matchup that may limit Markkanen’s overall impact.
Speaking of Doncic, he continues to cement himself as an annual MVP candidate, averaging 31.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 8.4 assists for the Mavs. He’s a triple-double threat every night who has put the offense on his back. Moreover, Doncic excels at exploiting mismatches and already dropped a 41-point triple-double on Utah earlier this season. The Jazz lack the perimeter defenders to slow him down, especially if he’s knocking down shots from deep. Overall, huge production seems likely again from Doncic at home.
With both team’s seasons seemingly hanging in the balance, this matchup comes down to which star shines brightest. Doncic dominated their first meeting and, at home, seems poised to lead Dallas to another win. Conversely, Markkanen must put forth an efficient 25+ point outing to give Utah a fighting chance. Ultimately, the Jazz’s road woes and defensive struggles aren’t promising against an offense led by the versatile, do-it-all Doncic.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: Dallas Mavericks -370, Total Odds: 225.5
The odds lean heavily towards the Mavericks, reflecting their superior record and home-court advantage. The total odds suggest a high-scoring affair, aligning with both teams’ offensive capabilities.
Utah Jazz Betting Trends
Utah has posted a 4-1 against the spread record over their last 5 contests, consistently beating betting line expectations despite losing straight up. As underdogs by 8.5, the Jazz have performed well to keep games close. That said, Utah is just 1-5 straight up and 4-11 ATS over their last 15 games against Dallas. Moreover, the Jazz are an abysmal 1-12 straight up on the road this season.
Dallas Mavericks Betting Trends
Dallas has struggled to meet betting expectations recently, going 2-5 ATS over their previous 7 games. However, at home against the Jazz, the Mavericks have dominated from a betting perspective too. They are 7-1 straight up in their last 8 home contests versus Utah. Bettors can also take some solace in Dallas going 9-3 straight up after a loss this season, often bouncing back with strong efforts.
Utah Jazz vs. Dallas Mavericks 12/6/23 Betting Picks
Given the trends and team dynamics, the Mavericks seem to be the safer bet, especially considering their home record against Utah. The Jazz’s struggles on the road further tilt the odds in Dallas’s favor. However, the Jazz’s ability to cover the spread recently provides some hope for a closer game than the odds suggest.
For NBA game day selections, the Mavericks’ overall balance and home-court advantage make them the better pick. The over/under is tricky, given both teams’ scoring abilities, but leaning towards the UNDER might be wise, considering Utah’s recent trends.
Free Pick & Prediction: Dallas Mavericks 115, Utah Jazz 105