The Utah Jazz have not been making music at the defensive end of the floor this season, but for tonight’s matchup against the visiting Dallas Mavericks, I’m going to harp on the offense.
Utah will be playing the second half of a back-to-back, going against a Dallas team that has found a bigger identity in recent games.
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My Mavericks vs. Jazz predictions and NBA picks break down why buckets will be hard to come by for the home team in this Western Conference clash.
Mavericks vs Jazz prediction
Mavericks vs Jazz best bet: Jazz team total Under 117.5 (-115)
The Utah Jazz were oh-so-close to upsetting the Oklahoma City Thunder as 19-point underdogs last night, giving it their all in a 129-125 overtime defeat.
It was a great effort. Their reward? Immediately hop on a plane and prepare for the Dallas Mavericks the very next night.
The Mavs have been playing solid defense this season, entering this game ranked 10th in defensive rating.
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And they’ve played a little better since moving to an oversized big lineup, with both Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford starting, winning their last two games and limiting opponents to 101 points per contest.
In situations like this, the first thing to go is generally your shooting legs, and Utah already ranks 20th in the NBA in eFG%. The team has played below 117.5 points during regulation in three of its last four games.
Mavericks vs Jazz same-game parlay
Speaking of the Mavs’ length, let’s go with props for Davis and Gafford for this SGP.
Davis looks like he’s starting to knock the rust off after returning from his latest injury, going for 26 and 19 points in his last two games, and now plays a Jazz team that ranks dead-last in points to opposing centers.
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Meanwhile, Gafford has started four of the last five games for the Mavs, averaging 11.8 points and 9.5 rebounds per game in those contests. Over 7.5 rebounds for Gafford looks solid.
Mavericks vs Jazz SGP
Jazz team total Under 117.5
Anthony Davis Over 25.5 points
Daniel Gafford Over 7.5 rebounds
Our “from downtown” SGP: Go, go, Gafford
Let’s go ever farther with Gafford. He’s recorded four double-doubles this season, and two have come in this stretch where he’s entered the starting lineup.
Mavericks vs Jazz SGP
Jazz team total Under 117.5
Anthony Davis Over 25.5 points
Daniel Gafford double-double
Mavericks vs Jazz odds
Spread: Mavericks -6.5 | Jazz +6.5
Moneyline: Mavericks -230 | Jazz +190
Over/Under: Over 240 | Under 240
Mavericks vs Jazz betting trend to know
The Mavericks have hit the Moneyline in nine of their last 17 games for +10.50 Units and a 51% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Jazz.
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How to watch Mavericks vs Jazz
Location
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Date
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Tip-off
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
KFAA, KJZZ
Mavericks vs Jazz latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here