The Dallas Mavericks and the Utah Jazz square off in a first-round playoff series where all bets are off.
Hedgeout.net Team previews the series and predicts the winner, as Game 1 takes place on Saturday in Dallas.
Yiannis Bouranis
Dallas Mavericks take on the Utah Jazz in a highly-anticipated playoff series. Dallas finished fourth in the standings, at 52-30, whereas Utah was fifth, at 49-33.
The two teams split the season series (2-2). The Jazz won the first two matchups, while the Mavericks emerged victorious in the last two.
The hosts have been in great form lately, winning 20 of their last 27 games. However, the absence of Luka Doncic could be a turning point in the series. The superstar guard is dealing with a left calf strain and will miss Game 1 and likely Game 2 on Monday.
It will be interesting to see how productive Dallas will be without its superstar in the lineup, as Doncic is averaging 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.7 assists.
On the other hand, this is the last chance for the Jazz to have a deep playoff run with the current roster. If they fail again, it is likely the front office will shake things up.
The Jazz had the league’s most efficient offense, a top-10 defense and the second-best net rating in the West.
The franchise is in a win-now mode and that gives them extra motivation. With Doncic out for at least one game, I expect Utah to take the upper hand and win the series 3-4.
Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Alexandros Tsakos
With Luka Doncic in the mix, I would pick the Dallas Mavericks to win the series in six, but the status of the Slovenian superstar is still uncertain ahead of Games 1 and 2.
The situation with Doncic will be a huge factor for both teams. The Jazz will have both Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell available and that will give them the edge.
Without Doncic, the Mavs are 8-9 in the regular season. At the same time, Dallas has no answer for Gobert so in case Doncic is not ready or not fully healthy, I pick Utah in six.
Filippos Kassotis
Dallas vs Utah is probably the most tight series of the playoffs. The Mavericks (52-30) have the home-court advantage and seem the more probable team to reach the Western Conference semi-finals.
However this is not the case. The recent injury of Luka Doncic, which ruled him out indefinitely, changes the scenario.
Utah (49-33) has a clear goal this year, which is none other than the Conference Finals. Last year, the team lost to the Clippers in the semifinals (with LA playing without injured Kawhi Leonard), despite having the home-court advantage.
On the other hand, the Mavericks, in spite of their poor start in 2021, turned things around after December and went to an outstanding 35-12 to secure the fourth position in the West.
Should Doncic return early and healthy, then Dallas has the upper hand. Otherwise, this is the chance for Donovan Mitchell to lead the Jazz further to the semifinals. My prediction is Jazz in 7.
Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images
Dimitris Georgiopoulos
The Dallas Mavericks (4) and the Utah Jazz (5) face off in the first round of the NBA playoffs. The Mavs, despite having a rough start, were able to finish the regular season strong. They managed to win 20 of their last 27 games.
Star player Luka Doncic (averaging 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.7 assists) is currently playing greater than ever. The biggest problem for Jason Kidd’s team is whether Doncic will be available to compete, due to a left calf strain.
For their part, the Utah Jazz are reaching the playoffs for a 7th straight year. They surely want to progress more than they did last year (lost to Clippers 4-2). Jazz were solid throughout the season, with the likes of Donovan Mitchell (averaging 25.9 points and 5.3 assists) and Rudy Gobert (averaging 15.6 points, 14.7 boards) showing their potential.
Dallas and Utah split the series in the regular season (2-2). However, should Luka Doncic be healthy and keen to maintain his performance level up, I think that the Mavericks will win this round. In addition, my prediction is that this series will be decided in Game 7 (Mavericks win in 7, 4-3).
Photo: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Aggelos Nikolopoulos
One of the most unpredictable NBA playoff series this year is the one between the Dallas Mavericks and the Utah Jazz. Every result seems logical to me. But, let’s look the details.
We could say the two opponents had the opposite course during the regular season. Dallas started the season in… low levels, slowly managing to rise in the standings. In the end, not only did they claim the home-court advantage, but they almost reached the third spot.
Unfortunately for them, they are forced to begin the series without their best player, Luka Doncic, who is averaging almost triple-double numbers. We don’t know when the Slovenian guard will return. For sure, he is out for Game 1.
This situation clearly suits Jazz. Despite the fact that they were in a free fall compared to their start (they were on top together with the Suns for a significant period, but eventually finished fifth), they have the chance to win in Dallas and “steal” the home-court advantage from the Mavericks.
If they get it done, they automatically become the favorite of the series as it will be easier for them to play in front of their fans in Salt Lake City. In the regular season, they both protected their home court, splitting the series (2-2).
This fact makes me believe that it’s more than possible to have + 5.5 games in the series (1.80) and I strongly believe that Dallas can win at least two games, with or without Doncic.
So, my betting suggestion here is +2.5 series handicap for the Texans (1.70), but with a little lead for qualification to Utah, if they win Game 1 or 2 in Dallas. If I risk a series score, it would be 4-3 for any team.
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