Dallas Mavericks vs Utah Jazz (Image via Getty) The Dallas Mavericks visit Salt Lake City to play the Utah Jazz on January 8, 2026. Both teams are below .500 and need wins to stay in the race in the Western Conference.Dallas comes in with a bit of momentum after finally winning on the road. Utah is moving the opposite way and is trying to stop a long slide. Injuries on both sides have forced rotation changes, which could decide how this game plays out.
Dallas Mavericks vs Utah Jazz Injury Report (January 8, 2026)
Dallas Mavericks will be without center Dereck Lively II, who remains out with a foot injury. P.J. Washington is doubtful because of an ankle issue. Brandon Williams is questionable with a heel problem. Miles Kelly is also listed as doubtful, and Dante Exum is out, leaving Dallas short on depth.Utah Jazz is missing key frontcourt pieces. Walker Kessler is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Georges Niang is sidelined with a foot issue, and Kevin Love will sit for rest. Guard Ace Bailey is questionable due to a hip injury.
Dallas Mavericks vs Utah Jazz Game Time and TV Info
The game tips off at 9 p.m. ET. It will air on NBA TV and locally on KJZZ in Utah. Streaming options include NBA League Pass, the ESPN app, and Fubo.
Team Form and Key Players
The Dallas Mavericks are 14-23 and sit 11th in the West. They are on a two-game winning streak, which includes a 100-98 win in Sacramento. It was their first road win in five weeks. Rookie Cooper Flagg leads the team with averages of 21 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5 assists.Utah Jazz is 12-23 and 13th in the conference. The Jazz have lost four straight games and nine of their last 11. Their most recent game was a 129-125 overtime loss to Oklahoma City. Keyonte George is averaging 24.1 points and 6.4 assists, while Lauri Markkanen adds 19.7 points per game.TeamRecordRoad/Home StreakKey Performer Avg Mavericks 14-23 First road win in 5 weeks Flagg: 21 PTS, 5 AST Jazz 12-23 L5, 9/11 losses George: 24.1 PTS
Dallas Mavericks vs Utah Jazz Head-to-Head
Utah leads the all-time regular-season series 110-85 over 195 games. The Jazz also won the first meeting this season, a 140-133 overtime game on December 15, 2025. In that game, Flagg scored a career-high 42 points.
What to Watch
Dallas Mavericks are looking for back-to-back road wins, something it has struggled to do all season. Utah Jazz needs a home win to stop the slide. With Dallas thin up front, Jusuf Nurkic could be a factor inside with his 10.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. For player props, Flagg going over 5.5 assists stands out.