NBA Game Preview: Utah Jazz (14-27) vs. Dallas Mavericks (16-26)

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The Utah Jazz head to Dallas for a Western Conference matchup against the Mavericks in what could be a gritty, low-scoring affair given both teams’ struggles and extensive injury lists. With both squads sitting near the bottom of the conference standings, this game pits two rebuilding teams against each other, but Dallas holds a slight edge as the home favorite after a dominant win over Utah just two days prior. Expect defense to take center stage with key offensive players sidelined.

Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX

Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM ET (4:00 PM CT local time; broadcast on KJZZ, Jazz+, KFAA, and WFAA)

Recent Team Forms

Both teams have been inconsistent, with poor records in their last 10 games. Utah has struggled offensively on the road, while Dallas has shown flashes at home but lacks scoring depth due to injuries.

Utah Jazz Last 10 Games (3-7 record, averaging 116.3 PPG scored, 128.0 PPG allowed)

DateOpponentResultKey Stats
1/15/2026@ DALL 122-144122 PTS, 45% FG
1/14/2026@ CHIL 114-116114 PTS, 52% FG
1/12/2026vs CLEW 105-103105 PTS, 48% FG
1/10/2026vs BKNL 101-118101 PTS, 46% FG
1/8/2026vs DALW 116-114116 PTS, 50% FG
1/5/2026@ PORL 117-137117 PTS, 49% FG
1/3/2026@ GSWL 114-123114 PTS, 52% FG
1/1/2026@ LACL 101-118101 PTS, 46% FG
12/30/2025vs SACW 120-115120 PTS, 51% FG
12/28/2025@ PHXL 110-125110 PTS, 47% FG

Dallas Mavericks Last 10 Games (3-7 record, averaging 110.6 PPG scored, 115.3 PPG allowed)

DateOpponentResultKey Stats
1/15/2026vs UTAW 144-122144 PTS, 54% FG
1/12/2026vs BKNW 113-105113 PTS, 48% FG
1/10/2026@ CHIL 107-125107 PTS, 45% FG
1/8/2026@ UTAL 114-116114 PTS, 49% FG
1/6/2026@ SACW 100-98100 PTS, 41% FG
1/3/2026vs HOUW 110-104110 PTS, 55% FG
1/1/2026vs PHIL 108-123108 PTS, 45% FG
12/30/2025@ DENL 109-118109 PTS, 47% FG
12/28/2025vs OKCL 102-115102 PTS, 44% FG
12/26/2025@ MEML 95-11095 PTS, 40% FG

Injury Report

Injuries will heavily impact this game, with both teams missing star power. Utah is without their top scorer, while Dallas lacks multiple key contributors, potentially leading to a slower pace.

Utah Jazz

Out: Elijah Harkless (G League – Two-Way), Walker Kessler (Left Shoulder – Injury Recovery), Lauri Markkanen (Illness), Georges Niang (Left Foot – Stress Reaction), John Tonje (G League – Two-Way), Oscar Tshiebwe (G League – Two-Way)

No other major injuries reported

Dallas Mavericks

Probable: Max Christie (Illness)

Questionable: Moussa Cisse (G League – Two-Way)

Doubtful: Cooper Flagg (Left Ankle – Sprain), Daniel Gafford (Right Ankle – Sprain)

Out: Anthony Davis (Left Finger – Sprain), Dante Exum (Right Knee – Surgery), Kyrie Irving (Left Knee – Surgery)

Day-to-Day: P.J. Washington (Right Ankle – Injury Management)

Key Player Matchups

With absences on both sides, focus shifts to available stars and role players. Dallas’s depth at guard could exploit Utah’s weakened frontcourt.

Luka Doncic (DAL) vs. Keyonte George (UTA): Doncic, averaging 28+ PPG, faces George in a battle of playmakers. Doncic’s scoring and passing could overwhelm Utah’s defense.

P.J. Washington (DAL) vs. Kyle Filipowski (UTA): With Markkanen out, Filipowski steps up, but Washington’s versatility (if available) gives Dallas an edge in the forward matchup.

Naj Marshall (DAL) vs. Brice Sensabaugh (UTA): Bench wings who could see expanded roles; Marshall’s defense might limit Sensabaugh’s scoring bursts.

Overall Edge: Dallas’s home court and Doncic’s presence tilt this, but Utah’s young guards could keep it competitive if they force turnovers.

Series History

The Jazz hold a strong all-time edge, but Dallas has momentum from recent wins.

All-Time Record: Utah leads 111-86 in 197 regular-season games

Recent Meetings: Dallas won the last matchup on 1/15/2026 (144-122)

In the last 5 games: Dallas 3-2 (average score: DAL 115.4, UTA 113.2)

At American Airlines Center: Dallas has won 8 straight home games vs. Utah

Betting Trends

Jazz: 5-5 ATS in last 10 games; 4-2 ATS in last 6 overall

Mavericks: 3-7 ATS in last 10 games; 2-3 ATS in last 5

O/U Trends:

Jazz: Over in 5 of last 7 games; 2-8 SU in last 10

Mavericks: Over in 2 of last 5; home games hit Under in 6 of last 10

Game Odds

Utah Jazz                             241.5

Dallas Mavericks              – 4.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 16, 2026