Utah Jazz vs Dallas Mavericks 4/16/22: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Predictions
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Utah Jazz vs. Dallas Mavericks Matchup Preview (4/16/22)
Fans of the NBA have been waiting for this moment for several weeks. Say goodbye to horrendous, late-season basketball, and hello to the playoffs! The No. 4 seed versus No. 5 seed matchup in the Western Conference features the Dallas Mavericks and the Utah Jazz, respectively. Interestingly enough, Dallas and Utah have had the same offensive rating since the All-Star break (118.4.) Additionally, they also have similar defensive ratings during that stretch, with Utah being slightly better, which you would hardly expect. Still, I don’t think that will matter much for this matchup; the playoffs are somewhat of a reset button. However, what will matter is whether or not Luka Doncic will be available to play for the Mavs, considering he just suffered a strained calf. There are conflicting reports right now about the likelihood of whether Doncic is available for this game or not, but certainly, keep an eye on it if you are considering betting it. Check out further analysis below to see what I believe the outcome will be and who I will bet to win the game!
Utah Jazz vs. Dallas Mavericks Betting Odds
Since the All-Star break, Dallas has put together an impressive 9-1 home record, including a 14-point win over the Utah Jazz last month. Its only home loss during that stretch was to the New York Knicks, who the Mavs could not seem to beat this season; they have gotten blown out in both matchups. If Luka Doncic plays, I think Dallas will win this game by five or six points at home. I have very little faith in the Utah Jazz, arguably the most inconsistent playoff team in the Western Conference. Utah should grab one or two games in this series, but those should be at home in Vivint. With that being said, if Doncic is ruled out, I will have to reassess the game completely. Despite the Jazz being one of my least favorite teams to bet on, if they are still dogs on the road after Luka is announced out, I may pull the trigger.
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How To Watch
Date: 4/16/22
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Arena: American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX
Channel: ESPN
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Utah Jazz Starting Lineup
PG: Mike Conley Jr.
SG: Donovan Mitchell.
SF: Royce O’Neale
PF: Bojan Bogdanovic
C: Rudy Gobert
Utah Jazz Analysis
Say what you want about chemistry issues with the Jazz, but they are still 35-22 when Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert suit up and take the floor this season. Now, I’m not dismissing that there are issues, as it seems to be pretty much common knowledge that those two don’t quite get along; however, winning does not always equate to great friendships. Still, a statistic came out recently, showing that Donovan Mitchell had merely passed the ball to Rudy Gobert 151 times this season as of early April. Considering how many games they played together, that equated to roughly two or three passes per game. That statistic hardly makes sense, especially since Mitchell has the ball in his hands so much on offense. It makes you wonder whether or not Utah’s handful of massive blown leads was at all caused by the underlying friction within this team. The NBA playoffs will expose teams that have issues, so I guess we will see what the truth is surrounding the Utah Jazz in this series.
Dallas Mavericks Starting Lineup
PG: Luka Doncic
SG: Jalen Brunson
SF: Reggie Bullock
PF: Dorian Finney-Smith
C: Dwight Powell
Dallas Mavericks Analysis
How about that for bad luck? In the last game of the regular season, All-Star Luka Doncic landed awkwardly on his leg and suffered a calf strain against the San Antonio Spurs. Now, Doncic is questionable to play not only this Saturday but also next Monday. This is the last thing that Dallas could afford at this juncture of the season, but there’s nothing to do about it. The Mavericks have been solid for the majority of the season and even better on their home floor, ranking sixth in the NBA in winning percentage at American Airlines Center. They accumulated an 8-9 record without Doncic in the lineup, so Dallas isn’t beyond saving if he doesn’t play. Still, this is the playoffs, and a lineup without Doncic stands little chance against the Utah Jazz and their excellent offense. Let’s hope for good news, Dallas fans.
