Mavericks vs. Jazz Prediction and Odds: Can Dallas Stay Close Without Luka?
By Reed Wallach
The Dallas Mavericks will be shorthanded on Christmas without Luka Doncic, but the team has hung tough in his absence, splitting their last six games.
Now, Dallas heads to Utah to play on Christmas night against the always dominant Utah Jazz who have quietly established themselves in the same tier as the Warriors and Suns this season, third in the West with the second best net rating in the NBA.
Can the Mavs hang with the Jazz? Here are the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook.
Mavericks vs. Jazz Odds, Spread and Total
Spread:
- Mavericks: +11.5 (-110)
- Jazz: -11.5 (-110)
Moneyline:
- Mavericks: +500
- Jazz: -700
Total: 215.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Mavericks vs. Jazz Prediction and Pick
While I do lean towards the Mavs covering this number, Utah can take advantage of Dallas' inability to switch onto Jazz ball handlers, which is leading me towards the over.
Utah has gone over four of five totals below 220 this month and has been far and away the best offense in the league this season, scoring more than 117 points per 100 possessions this season, nearly five points better than the second best team.
Ultimately, I see this number a bit too short given the lack of Doncic, who has missed time with a bulky ankle and COVID-19 Protocols, but the Jazz offense will dictate the terms and go over this total on Christmas.
PICK: OVER 215.5