The Dallas Mavericks (10-16), mired in the Western Conference’s lower echelon, face off against the equally disappointing Utah Jazz (9-15) on Monday night in a matchup that screams desperation for both rebuilding squads. At Delta Center, this Northwest Division clash features two teams with leaky defenses and inconsistent offenses, but Dallas’ star power could exploit Utah’s youth. Coming off back-to-back losses, the Mavs seek to halt a three-game skid, while the Jazz aim to build on a recent home win. Expect a sloppy, high-turnover game with Luka Dončić carrying the load for Dallas. Tip-off is at 9:00 p.m. ET, televised on KFAA (local), KJZZ (local), and NBA TV.
Venue Location
Delta Center
301 W South Temple St
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Utah’s home since 1991 (formerly EnergySolutions Arena), this 18,306-seat venue at altitude (4,300 ft) often fatigues visiting teams, contributing to the Jazz’s 6-5 home record. Known for its jazz-themed energy and mountain views, it’s a tough stop for road-weary squads like Dallas (3-9 away).
Tipoff: 9:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. MT / 6:00 p.m. PT)
Broadcast: KFAA (Mavs local), KJZZ (Jazz local), NBA TV (national)
Injury Report
Injuries have ravaged both rosters, with Dallas missing depth in the frontcourt and Utah without key shooters. Per the NBA’s official report (updated 5 p.m. ET):
| Team | Player | Status | Injury/Reason | Estimated Return |
| Mavericks | Maxi Kleber | Out | Right Foot; Stress Reaction | Jan 15, 2026 |
| Dereck Lively II | Questionable | Left Ankle; Sprain | Day-to-Day | |
| Olivier-Maxence Prosper | Out | G League – On Assignment (Knee) | TBD | |
| Jaden Hardy | Out | G League – Two-Way | TBD | |
| Jazz | Lauri Markkanen | Out | Left Shoulder; Soreness | Dec 20 |
| Jordan Clarkson | Probable | Right Thumb; Sprain | Day-to-Day | |
| Isaiah Collier | Out | G League – On Assignment | TBD | |
| Jason Preston | Out | G League – Two-Way | TBD | |
| E.J. Liddell | Available | Illness (cleared) | N/A |
Lively’s status is key for Dallas’ rim protection; without him, Utah’s bigs feast. Markkanen’s absence (18.4 PPG) shifts Utah’s scoring to Collin Sexton, thinning their spacing.
Key Player Matchups
Without Markkanen, this tilts toward Dallas’ half-court creation vs. Utah’s athletic wings. Dončić’s usage will be sky-high, testing the Jazz’s perimeter D.
Luka Dončić (DAL PG) vs. Keyonte George (UTA PG)
Dončić (33.2 PPG, 9.1 APG, 8.7 RPG) is a walking triple-double machine, probing defenses with step-backs and drives. George (15.8 PPG, 4.2 APG) brings speed but lacks size (6’3″), allowing Dončić to bully mismatches. Edge: Dončić—his 40-point triple-double vs. the Clippers last week underscores his dominance.
Kyrie Irving (DAL SG) vs. Collin Sexton (UTA SG)
Irving (25.6 PPG, 39% 3PT) dazzles with hesitations and pull-ups, facing Sexton (19.2 PPG, pesky on-ball defender at 1.4 SPG). Edge: Irving—Sexton’s offense is streaky (42% FG last five), while Kyrie’s hit 28+ in four straight.
P.J. Washington (DAL PF) vs. John Collins (UTA PF)
Washington (13.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG) provides versatile D and spacing, matched against Collins (14.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG, strong roller). Edge: Collins—his athleticism shines at home (+5.2 rebound margin for Utah), but Washington’s length could force turnovers.
Daniel Gafford (DAL C) vs. Walker Kessler (UTA C)
Gafford (11.2 PPG, 7.9 RPG) battles in the paint, but Kessler (10.8 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.4 BPG) is a block machine. Edge: Kessler—Utah’s altitude aids his verticality; expect 3+ blocks.
Bonus Prop Watch: Dončić Over 32.5 Points (-110) and Irving Over 24.5 Points (-115) are locks, hitting in 80% of games.
Team Records
| Team | Overall Record | Home/Away | Division | Conference | Streak |
| Mavericks | 10-16 | 7-7 Home / 3-9 Away | 2-4 | 7-11 | L3 |
| Jazz | 9-15 | 6-5 Home / 3-10 Away | 2-3 | 6-9 | W1 |
Dallas ranks 22nd in net rating (-3.8), plagued by turnovers (15.1 per game). Utah is 25th offensively (109.2 PPG) but 15th defensively at home (112.4 allowed).
Recent Team Forms
Both teams are in rebuild mode, with Dallas’ stars masked by poor bench production and Utah leaning on youth. Recent games show high variance, with turnovers killing momentum.
Dallas Mavericks Last 5 Games (1-4):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Stats |
| Dec 13 | @ LAC | L 112-118 | Dončić: 40 PTS, 12 REB, 10 AST; 18 TOs |
| Dec 10 | vs. MEM | L 104-112 | Irving: 28 PTS; 41% FG team |
| Dec 8 | @ PHX | L 108-115 | Dončić: 35 PTS; Poor 3PT (29%) |
| Dec 6 | vs. GSW | W 118-112 | Irving: 32 PTS; Bench +22 PTS |
| Dec 4 | @ DEN | L 105-121 | Gafford: 14 REB; Altitude struggle |
Utah Jazz Last 5 Games (2-3):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Stats |
| Dec 12 | vs. OKC | W 115-109 | Sexton: 26 PTS; Kessler: 12 REB, 4 BLK |
| Dec 9 | @ MIN | L 98-112 | George: 18 PTS; 15 TOs |
| Dec 7 | vs. SAC | L 110-118 | Collins: 20 PTS, 9 REB |
| Dec 5 | @ POR | W 122-108 | Sexton: 29 PTS; Fast-break points +18 |
| Dec 3 | vs. LAL | L 114-120 | Markkanen out; 46% FG allowed |
Averages: Mavs 110.6 PPG scored (last five), Jazz 113.2 PPG allowed at home.
Series History
Dallas leads all-time (81-64), including a 4-1 playoff win in 2022. Since 2020, the Mavs are 8-4 vs. Utah, often winning by 10+.This season: Split 1-1
Nov 15: Jazz 118-112 (Sexton 25 PTS; upset in Dallas)
Oct 26: Mavs 121-115 (Dončić 38 PTS; home opener)
Utah covers at home in 6 of last 8, with games averaging 223.4 total points (Over in 5 of 8).
Betting Trends
Key Trends:
Mavericks: 4-11 SU last 15; 9-17 ATS; Over in 12 of 18 (avg. 229.8 points); 3-9 SU away.
Jazz: 6-5 SU at home; 12-12 ATS; Under in 7 of last 10 home; 4-2 SU vs. sub-.500 West teams.
Head-to-Head: Over in 5 of 8; Dallas 5-3 SU last 8.
Game Odds
Dallas Mavericks – 1.5
Utah Jazz 239.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 14, 2025
