The NBA’s annual Christmas slate is finally approaching. These matchups always highlight the league’s long-standing rivalries, entertaining teams, and championship contenders. This year is no different.
Today, we’ll be taking a closer look at the upcoming meeting between the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz, two NBA title hopefuls featuring some of the greatest players in the Association.
Which team will prevail when they meet on Christmas Day? Let’s dive in with our Mavericks vs. Jazz predictions and best bets.
Mavericks vs. Jazz Game Pick
Despite the emergence of the Golden State Warriors and the hot start for the Phoenix Suns, the Utah Jazz are still one of the best teams in the Western Conference. After finishing with the No. 1 seed last year, the Jazz currently have one of the best records in the NBA.
Utah ranks near the top of the league in points per game, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage. The Jazz also have one of the NBA’s best defenses, ranking among the league’s elite in opponent points, rebounds, and assists per game.
With the roster they’ve put together, it’s no surprise Utah is dominant on both ends of the floor. Led by Donovan Mitchell, Utah has four of five starters averaging double-digit points.
Rudy Gobert is also a force to be reckoned with, averaging a double-double and leading the league in field goal percentage.
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On the other side, the Dallas Mavericks have had a woeful season. Although they’d make the playoffs if the season ended today, they’re only a couple of losses away from being one of the worst teams in the conference.
They are in the bottom half of the NBA in almost every statistical category on offense and defense. Outside of Luka Dončić, this team hasn’t been exciting to watch. He’s one of the best players in the league, but the Mavericks have failed to build a good roster around him.
When your top three scorers are Dončić, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Jalen Brunson, you need to take a step back and really look at your roster.
This will be the first of four meetings between the Mavericks and the Jazz, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Jazz swept the season series. Utah is the better basketball team in every facet of the game and they have a much better roster than the Mavericks.
This game will be a blowout to close out the NBA Christmas schedule.
Mavericks vs. Jazz Christmas Prediction: Jazz 120, Mavericks 99
Dallas Mavericks forward Kristaps Porziņģis will look to lead his team to victory against the Utah Jazz on Christmas Day. (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
Mavericks vs Jazz Christmas Betting Picks
Best Bet: Jazz Moneyline (-700) at Caesars
Wager: 2 Units
As I said earlier, Utah is the better team in every facet of the game. They are better than the Mavericks in every statistical category. Utah also has the better roster, top to bottom. Outside of Dončić, Dallas doesn’t have much to throw at Utah, and Dončić won’t even be playing.
The Mavericks are a piece or two away from being one of the best teams in the league, while the Jazz already have the pieces. Santa came early for the Jazz by putting them against the Mavericks on Christmas Day.
Take the Jazz Moneyline as our NBA bet of the day.
Best Bet: Jazz -12 (-110) at Caesars
Wager: 1 Unit
I have the Jazz beating the Mavericks by 21 points, but I wouldn’t get carried away with the spread. Basketball is a game of runs, and while Utah is a much better team, you never know what could happen. The Jazz have losses to the Orlando Magic and New Orleans Pelicans, two of the worst teams in the NBA.
Utah is 1st in offensive rating and 6th in defensive rating, so they shouldn’t have any issues putting up points while making things tough for Dallas. More than half of Utah’s wins have been by 12 or more points, so I’m confident they can cover.
Per our NBA gameday odds, the spread is sitting at -12, which I love to see. Utah should have no problem covering against Dallas.
