Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz Betting Preview/Prop Picks

The Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz are set to begin Game 3 of the series today. Currently tied at 1-1, the Mavericks were able to get a huge win in Game 2.

The good news for the Mavericks is that they could have Luka Doncic back in the lineup today. Although he might only be in for limited minutes, he’ll definitely help out the offense. The Mavericks won 110-104 in Game 2.

The Utah Jazz’s offense hasn’t looked nearly as dominant as it did in the regular season. Over the last two games, the Jazz has averaged 101.5 points per game.

Shut down by the defense of the Mavericks, the Jazz needs to find a way to jumpstart their offense. So, with Luka Doncic potentially returning, let’s take a look at each of these teams and come up with our pick. 

Dallas Mavericks: Even without Doncic, they can win tonight

The Mavericks have one of the best defenses in the league, and it’s shown in this series. Through the regular season, the Mavericks allowed just 104.64 points per game.

Ranking second in the NBA, the Mavericks have found a way to win without a lot of offense. Tonight, if Doncic does return, they should have a much better offensive outing against the Utah Jazz.

Despite even Doncic stating, he’s “feeling good,” there’s a chance he sits out tonight. If he does, the Mavericks are in good hands with Jalen Brunson. Brunson had a career night in Game 2 and led the Mavericks to its win over the Jazz.

However, tonight they have to face the Jazz at home, which isn’t an easy task. Especially since the Jazz are coming off of a tough loss.

Utah Jazz: Rudy Gobert and the Jazz need to get it in gear

As we stated above, the Mavericks have held the Jazz to 101.5 points per game in the series. This is a massive difference from their regular season statistic of 113.32 points per game.

The first thing the Jazz need to do tonight is finding better scoring opportunities. Rudy Gobert is supposed to be one of the best centers in the NBA; the Jazz need to utilize this. 

On the defensive side of the ball, the Utah Jazz have done pretty well. The problem at this point is solely on the offense. They had two games that they wouldn’t have to worry about Luka Doncic, and they squandered one.

Now that they’re returning home, the Jazz should have a little extra energy and motivation behind this game. So, who’s the best team to take tonight?

Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz Betting Pick

The Mavericks have shown through the last two games that their defense can stop the Jazz. However, the Mavericks haven’t had to play the Jazz at home yet.

Today, the Mavericks come in as 6.5-point underdogs. Even if Doncic was to play, it’d likely be on limited minutes. Because of this, we’ll take the Jazz to win this game and cover the spread. 

We’d definitely make sure to pair this pick with the under, especially with how these defenses have performed. In six of Utah’s last nine games against the Mavericks, the total has gone under.

DunkelIndex Free Betting Pick: Utah Jazz -6.5, UNDER

Prop Picks

Dallas (-115) UNDER 101.5 Points

Utah is allowing 107.6 points per game on defense, which ranks No. 10 in the league. That average decreases to 106.9 points per game at home. Scores have gone UNDER in seven of the Jazz’ last nine home games versus a team with a winning road record (Dallas is 23-18 on the road this season).

With Dunkel predicting a Utah home victory by the score of 108-99, take the Mavericks (-115) to finish UNDER their Vegas team total of 101.5 points against the Jazz.

Royce O’Neal (-110) UNDER 6.5 Points

O’Neal averaged 7.4 points per game during the regular season, which ranked No. 8 on the Jazz. That average decreased to 7.1 points per game at home and 6.90 points per game post All Star break.  

With Dunkel predicting the final score staying UNDER the Vegas total, take O’Neal (+100) to finish UNDER his Vegas point total of 6.5 points against the Mavericks.

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