Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks Betting Preview/Prop Picks

Now that the play-in series is over, the first set of playoff series will begin. Kicking it off on Saturday is the Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks. There's some good news for the Jazz, who won't have to worry about Luka Doncic in this one.

However, that doesn't mean they'll easily walk away with this game. Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell have their work cut out for them here.

The Mavericks definitely come in at a disadvantage without Luka. Their bench and remaining starters will need to step up their game in his absence. The last time they played the Jazz, the game went in favor of the Mavericks.

If they want the same outcome this time, they'll need to find a way to stop Gobert and Mitchell. It's going to be a tough game but definitely entertaining.

Utah Jazz: Gobert and Mitchell look to start the series 1-0

With one of the highest-scoring offenses in the NBA, the Jazz come in as five-point favorites. On average, Utah puts up 113.61 points per game, ranking 7th in the NBA. The key for the Jazz tonight is getting past the defense of the Mavericks.

Dallas has one of the best in the NBA, so it won't be easy to score against them. However, without Doncic, the Dallas offense will suffer. 

The Jazz's history against the Mavericks hasn't gone well. Over their last three games against them, the Jazz are 1-2. When it comes to covering the spread, they have an even worse record of 0-3.

The main difference this time is the absence of Luka Doncic. Utah needs to capitalize on this and get a lead in this series. Once Doncic comes back, it'll be tough for them to win.

Dallas Mavericks: Lack of offense could be their downfall

We see one big problem with the Dallas Mavericks in this game, lack of offense. We mentioned above that the Jazz rank 7th in the NBA in scoring, the Mavericks rank 24th.

Averaging just 108.02 points per game, it's almost shocking that they made it into the playoffs. The reason they've been able to do this is by playing high-level defense all year, and they'll need it here.

Ranking second in the NBA in points allowed, the Mavericks allow an average of 104.72 points per game. Today, they face an offense they're quite familiar with, so that'll help them. However, the Dallas offense was already among the worst in the NBA without Doncic.

With Luka out, the offense will take another step back. With the first game of the series here, who's the best pick?

Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks Betting Pick

Although each of these teams brings talented rosters to the court, we have to take the Utah Jazz. Their offense, paired with Doncic sidelined, should be the deciding factor in this game.

They're five-point favorites, so it's slightly large but not insurmountable. The Jazz hasn't been a reliable team against the spread, but they have quite a few advantages here. 

When betting on the total, we'd suggest taking the over. The total has gone over in six of Dallas' last seven games. With an offense like Utah's, we don't see this game being a low-scoring one.

DunkelIndex Free Pick: Utah Jazz -5, OVER

Prop Picks

Dallas (-120) UNDER 102.5 Points

Utah is allowing 107.6 points per game on defense, which ranks No. 10 in the league, while holding teams 43.5 percent shooting from the field, which ranks No. 9. Scores have gone UNDER in 10 of the Jazz’ last 12 road games.

With Dunkel predicting a Utah road victory by the score of 111-99, take the Mavericks (-120) to finish UNDER their Vegas team total of 102.5 points against the Jazz.

Reggie Bullock (-115) UNDER 11.5 Points

Bullock is averaging 8.6 points per game, which ranks No. 8 on the Mavericks. That average increases to 5.4 points per game in Dallas losses.

With Dunkel predicting a Jazz victory while holding the Mavericks under their Vegas team total, take Bullock (-115) to finish UNDER his Vegas total of 11.5 points against Utah.

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