Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz
History: The Dallas Mavericks played last year against the Los Angeles Lakers and got blown out. This will be their fifth Christmas Day appearance, as they have a record of 2-2 thus far. The Utah Jazz last played on Christmas in 2018, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 117-96. This will be their eighth appearance, as they are 5-2 thus far.
This is a good chance for people to take in the excellence of the Utah Jazz. They are not a team many people mention as being one of the best in the NBA, but they deserve to be in the conversation.
Utah is a dominant offensive team, leading the league in offensive rating. Donovan Mitchell has taken his game to another level, being complemented by Mike Conley, Bojan Bogdanovic and Jordan Clarkson. Rudy Gobert anchors a dominant defense, as the Jazz are great on both ends of the court.
They would normally have their hands full with the Dallas Mavericks, but they are going to be without their star player Luka Doncic. Doncic is in the league’s health and safety protocols and has been replaced by Jalen Brunson in the starting lineup, who is having a breakout season.
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Dallas has had an up and down season as their defense remains underwhelming, but their offense has taken an unexpected step backward. That has led to them being under .500 thus far this season, as the Jazz could make easy work of them.
