Dallas Mavericks vs Utah Jazz 4/21/22: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Predictions

Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz Matchup Preview (4/21/22)

After splitting games with the Jazz at home, the Dallas Mavericks will try to get one back over their next two games in Utah. Optimism is beginning to surface for the Mavs as Luka Doncic is listed as questionable for the first time since the series started; he was listed as doubtful for Games One and Two. The fact that Dallas won Game Two is a testament to its mental fortitude because it does not have the talent or firepower (without Doncic) that the Jazz have on their roster. Despite that, the Mavs shot the lights out, making 22 three-pointers on just under 50% from deep while playing lockdown defense on the other end.

For Utah, it has to defend the three-point line better. The Jazz have a size advantage on the interior, which includes a former DPOY (defensive player of the year) in Rudy Gobert and plenty of scoring on their roster. They cannot allow such a dominant shooting night again if they want to win this series and avoid this team falling apart entirely by the season’s end. Check out my analysis of each team and what to make of the fact that Luka Doncic is a game-time decision below!

Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz Betting Odds

The sportsbooks must not think Luka Doncic will play since the spread has the Mavs as six-point road dogs. Obviously, the Mavs would still not be favored on the road against Utah if Luka was going to play, but I have a hard time believing that the spread would be six points. I suppose he may play, but only in limited minutes, similar to Steph Curry in Game One of the Warriors’ series.

Either way, I’m not throwing anything on this game until I know more; there are too many questions and not enough answers. If you believe that Doncic will play and see at least 30-35 minutes, then perhaps jumping on this wide spread makes sense. That will not be a move I’m comfortable making, though. Still, a six-point spread is a lot for the Jazz to cover, considering they blow big leads all the time. Ultimately, I will wait and see what happens with Doncic, though. If that means live betting the game, then I will do that.

How To Watch

Date: 4/21/22
Time: 9:00 PM ET
Arena: Vivint Arena – Salt Lake City, UT
Channel: NBA TV

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Dallas Mavericks Starting Lineup

PG: Luka Doncic
SG: Jalen Brunson
SF: Reggie Bullock
PF: Dorian Finney-Smith
C: Dwight Powell

Dallas Mavericks Analysis

Luka Doncic is a game-time decision for Thursday night, but even if he plays, it is uncertain how many minutes he will get since that calf strain is still relatively fresh. Regardless, the Mavs’ performance in Game Two was wildly impressive, especially Jalen Brunson, who finished with 41 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Even Maxi Kleber hugely contributed on the offensive end, pouring in 25 points on a ridiculous eight three-pointers! Dallas finished the game hitting 22 three-pointers but still only beat the Jazz by six points at home. The odds of that offensive output happening again without Luka Doncic are pretty long. Therefore, Doncic’s return for Game Three is imperative. Keep an eye out for more information about his availability before throwing down any money on Dallas.

Utah Jazz Starting Lineup

PG: Mike Conley Jr.
SG: Donovan Mitchell.
SF: Royce O’Neale
PF: Bojan Bogdanovic
C: Rudy Gobert

Utah Jazz Analysis

I can’t think of anything that makes more sense than this team losing several games to the Doncic-less Mavs and ultimately getting sent home in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. That is not meant to be shade thrown at the Utah Jazz, but let’s face it: this team will split in the off-season. There is too much turmoil between different players, particularly Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. Additionally, they clearly lack chemistry and team poise based on how many massive leads they have blown this season. If Utah wants to avoid this reality, it will have to get more offense out of players not named Bojan Bogdanovic or Donovan Mitchell; this is doubly the case for Rudy Gobert, who has scored in double-digits in Game One or Game Two. The Jazz need Rudy Gobert to be a force inside and he simply has not been.